Sides to remain outside

DIGICEL Cup sides Mendi Muruks and Hela Wigmen will continue to play outside of their home province till next year, says Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition manager Ora Gairo.
He said during the season launch at the National Football Stadium last week that the competition was concerned about the safety of players and fans.
“There are a number of factors that do not allow us to hosts games in Hela and Southern Highlands,” Gairo said.
“In Southern Highlands, there are some issues that remain active. That is why they are based in Lae.
“Lae Rugby League Ground seems to be the traditional home for the Muruks as they have been based there since 2006 when a company, Mabey and Johnson, was the club’s major sponsor.
“For the Hela Wigmen, they are based in Port Moresby because of the same reasons.
“But Wigmen have started building their home ground in Tari and I’m hoping that it will be ready by the end of this year.
“It depends on the progress of construction, so we will look to relocate the Wigmen once their home ground is ready.”
Gairo said safety and continuity were crucial for the competition.
“We value the competition and supporters, so their safety is important,” he said.
“We don’t want to put ourselves in a situation where we put the wellbeing of the players and local population under threat.
“But we are looking at opening up those centres by next year.
“Hopefully, we can achieve that.”