Tentative kick-off date set

ORGANISERS of the Digicel Cup have tentatively set July 4 and 5 as possible dates to kick off the country’s premier rugby league competition.
This will, however, be subject to the endorsement of the relevant authorities over the containment of the coronavirus pandemic and post-state of emergency (SOE) arrangements.

Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina told the 12 Digicel Cup franchise chairmen and managers earlier this week that there seemed to be some degree of certainty now to engage with all stakeholders for the competition to kick off.
“Over the past several weeks, we have been in consultations with our sponsors and partners, the stater of emergency controller’s office and the Government to see how best we can assist during these trying times and the possibility of PNGNRLC kicking off the Digicel Cup competition for this year,” he said.
Hondina said in line with the cancellation of the Queensland Intrust Super Cup season and the protocols and processes to follow in response to Covid 19, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) on March 18 announced the suspension of all league programmes and competitions, including the Digicel Cup, until June 5.
“The Digicel Cup was scheduled to kick off on April 5 but the PNGRFL took the initiative and proactive step to defer the start of the competition by two months,” he said.
Hondina said the Government declared a state of emergency for 14 days on 23 March, which was extended by Parliament by a further two months until June 2.
He said travel restrictions, social distancing, gatherings and other orders and directives will have been lifted a few days earlier, making a June 5 start impossible.
“PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka is looking to have a meeting with the state of emergency controller and other relevant authorities to look at options and guidelines,” Hondina said. “And that health protocols and processes are in place to be followed by all players, officials, stakeholders, sponsors, partners and the public.”
He said some SOE restrictions such as air travel and travel between provinces may be lifted and relaxed in the coming weeks and a ‘new normal’ looked certain.
“At least for now, this gives our sponsors, partners, franchises and stakeholders some space to make necessary plans and decisions for their best interests and circumstances,” Hondina said.
“It also gives sufficient time for players and coaching staff to plan their training and preparations for a possible July 5 kick-off.”
Hondina said the PNGNRLC board would meet to discuss a revised competition, registration fees, sponsorships, team training, camps and game-day protocols.
He urged the public to respect the state of emergency directives and observe all medical protocols and processes for a safe outcome.
“Our lives and livelihoods will return to normal if and when we observe those orders and restrictions,” Hondina said. “Doing that will allow us to watch and enjoy our No.1 sport of rugby league.”