There will be no more Kaupa Cup competition, says MP

By JACK AMI
THERE will be no more Kaupa Cup offseason rugby league competition in Moresby North-East, says MP John Kaupa.
This was the confirmation of local MP John Kaupa to all the league administrators at the City Hall recently.
“The Kaupa Cup offseason rugby league competition is not affiliated under the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL),” he said at the City Hall recently.
“I will not entertain any offseason competition under my name.
“Now is the time for change and we are now an affiliated member (Moresby North-East Rugby League) of Southern Confederation through PNG Rugby Football League.” Kaupa has allocated K500,000 as startup funding for the league and he is calling on National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and city manager Bernard Kipit to support the new league.
He made this remarks in the presence of PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka, confederation director Gwaibo Mairi, Port Moresby Rugby League chairman Dr James Naipao, Moresby South’s Brown Murema, Kerema’s Emmanuel Morehari and Bougainville’s Avis Vanua.
Tsaka said offseason competitions were not sanctioned by the national body.
“We have no control over these illegal competitions in the country,” he said. “Our main concern is the safety of players and officials. Illegal competitions are not covered by insurance.
“This is very risky in the case of serious injuries or if someone dies on the field of play. We are not responsible for this. The responsibility lies with the offseason competitions.
“We have advised all our registered players not to participate in offseason competition.”