SP Brewery supports relocation call

SOUTH Pacific Brewery has backed the Hunters’ relocation to Australia for next season in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup.
The relocation announcement was made recently following approval from the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) board and advice from the Queensland Rugby League (QRL).
“As the naming-rights sponsor of the SP Hunters, SP Brewery supports this move and will back the PNGRFL and other stakeholders to ensure a successful transition for the team and management,” company managing director Ed Weggemans said in a statement.
In a recent statement, PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said the relocation decision was based on advice from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Queensland Health Department that international travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic would be maintained next year.
“Health and safety is a priority at SP Brewery,” Weggemans said.
“Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we made sure to put in place protocols to mitigate the risk of contracting and/or spreading the virus.
“We implement the same precautions when we are engaging with our external clients.
“It is, therefore, pleasing to see PNGRFL taking into consideration our Australian stakeholder’s and partner’s health advice to relocate the team to Queensland.
“The pandemic isn’t over. We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our community.
“Given the circumstance we are in, and under the ‘new normal’, we must look at alternate options to continue working, while at the same time, ensure all health protocols are adhered to. The brewery and other companies have invested significantly to ensure the progress of the Hunters.
“The company supports PNGRFL’s decision to relocate our team.
“It’s a bold move and we are confident that a change in environment will motivate our players.”
The brewery, through its mainstream brand SP Lager, has made a commitment to continue supporting the Hunters as the beer of rugby league.
“This year has been quite a challenge, however, the brewery has remained committed to the Hunters throughout the year.
“This commitment will remain next year, as we face the unknown.
“At this juncture, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate PNGRFL’s new interim board comprising of former brewery managing director Stan Joyce (as chairman), ambassador Robert Aisi, Frank Bouraga, brewery commercial manager Moses Williams, Ruth Waram (independent directors) and the PNGRFL chief executive as an ex officio member.”
Tsaka said as part of the relocation process, the club was restructured to be established as a separate incorporated association with its own independent governance and management structure.
Weggemans expressed confidence in the new structure, saying that the independent directors were no strangers to rugby league and its history.
“The new incumbents come with a wealth of experience thus I have so much confidence in their leadership,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tsaka said PNGRFL and QRL had undertaken a review of the club’s operations over the last few months to ensure efficiency and sustainability in its management and operations.