Tassell scoffs at Numapo claims about coaching duo

 PNG Rugby League Foundation chief executive officer Brad Tassell (pictured right)  last night denied claims made by former PNG Rugby Football League  (PNGRFL) interim chairman John Numapo regarding the contracts of Team Kumuls personnel.

Tassell scoffed at the allegations that national high performance  manager Mal Meninga and Kumul coach Adrian Lam were on highly paid contracts.

“What is being said is simply not true; there isn’t an ounce of truth in any of the allegations,” Tassell said in response to a seven-page statement relased by the former chief magistrate.

Tassell, who runs the foundation that is currently tasked with developing junior rugby league and helping the PNGRFL get a team into the Queensland Intrust Cup next year, said Meninga and Lam, two highly-qualified and respected coaches, were not being paid the amounts quoted by Numapo in his statement.

Numapo (pictured left) claimed that former Queensland Origin great Meninga was on a A$500,000 (K1.12 million) contract while Lam was on a A$400,000 (K900,000) annual deal.

But Tassell said both men were actually on A$200,000 (K450,000 contracts.   

“Mal Meninga and Adrian Lam are on packages that are commensurate with their qualifications. They’re both on $200,000 a year.This is what they would be paid if they were coaching in Australia,” Tassell said.

He said the money was not from the public purse but rather from private sponsors.