Tarum queries transfer

PORT Moresby Vipers coach Leonard Tarum has questioned the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition’s (PNGNRLC) integrity on rules regarding mid-season transfer following a shocking move by his player Presley Soto to Central Dabaris last week.
Tarum told The National yesterday that the Vipers hooker didn’t seek clearance from the club before joining the Dabaris last week.
“I was surprised when I saw him (Presley Soto) on TV wearing Central Dabaris jersey in the field and played against the Hela Wigmen,” Tarum said.
“He played a game with us this season and in fact he was included in our 21 man playing roaster last week as well.
“There was no word from him, he didn’t let us know so that we could arrange for his release.
“He just left us and I only found out on Sunday when he ran out to the field in Dabaris colors.
“Presley is still registered under Vipers franchise and I don’t understand if that’s okay for a player to go and play for different team the next week just like that.
“We have no issue with player transfer as we respect their right to choose.
“But it should be a concern for the competition when someone doesn’t follow the processes and they do whatever they want.
“From what I know, there used to be transfer fees paid and the player gets a release and if that doesn’t happen the player gets suspended for the whole season.
“Digicel Cup is a semi-professional competition and such rules on transfer must strictly applied in order maintain its standard.
“It’s very unprofessional for players to make sudden change of team in that manner like what Presley did.”