Three teams pay K10,000 fee to play in regional league

ONLY three teams have so far paid their K10,000 affiliation fee to compete in the inaugural Southern Super League, according to an official.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League’s Southern Confederation said the second-tier competition was only open to teams in the region.
It is a competition sanctioned by confederation director Gwaibo Mairi with a K1,000 fee paid at Moresby South Stadium on Tuesday.
Southern Super League executive chairman Bagelo Solien said the three teams were Moresby South, Buria Reds and Funeral Home Hisiu Knights.
He said others that had confirmed their participation were Hela Wigmen, Central Dabaris, Port Moresby Vipers, Port Moresby Rugby Football League, Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League, Koiari, Rigo and Kerema.
“But they have to pay their K10,000 affiliation fee by next week,” Solien said.
He said the Wigmen were included because they were based in Port Moresby.
“But in the future, we’ll extend an invitation to Popondetta, Alotau, Daru, Kiunga,Tabubil and Balimo to be part of the competition to expose their talents,” Solien said.
He said they were waiting for the teams who confirmed to participate to do their payments so that they could confirm the draw during the launch next week.
Solien warned the teams to meet the competition requirements, which were similar to those of the Digicel Cup.
“We want to ensure that they comply with our requirements to avoid administrative issues which are the responsibility of the team managements,” the executive chairman said.
Solien said the competition would kick off in Port Moresby, as home and away with 10 teams competing over nine rounds before the playoffs.
“Games wíll also be played at Papa Lealea, Kwikila, Kerema and Koiari,” he said.
Solien confirmed that referees from these leagues would officiate during the games and they would be paid straight after the matches were completed.
“I’m expecting all the rounds to be competitive as teams jostle for spots in the playoffs,” he said.