Tsaka explains axing

Sports

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League explained its termination of chief executive officer Bob Cutmore’s contract citing his performance as the major factor in the sacking.
This was confirmed in a press conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said the decision was reached upon the recommendation of an independent review committee appointed by the board.
He said on deliberation the board had endorsed the termination which he said was in the best interest of the game.
Tsaka said the review committee’s evaluation showed instances and evidence of Cutmores conduct and decision making on development and where to focus the leagues resources through the course of 2016.
“This is the board’s decision which Cutmore was advised before going for his last duty in England for the 2017 World Rugby League Cup meeting last week,” Tsaka said.
The chairman said even though Cutmore was terminated it was protocol and good for PNG that Cutmore attended the meeting so that the International Rugby League Federation was advised.
Tsaka said with the league heading into challenging times in terms of its growth and development on several fronts, not the least of which were the Kumuls and Hunters programmes, the semi-professional competition, the confederates, the local grassroots leagues as well as junior and women’s league, there needed to be decisive leadership from an administrator who could carry all those burdens.
“We need a strategic leadership to get the national body and its programmes to be effectively moving and drive our vision forward.
“We have submitted the CEO position to a human resource recruiting company to advertise the position domestically and internationally,” Tsaka said.
“This is the prerogative of the board and decision for the best interest of the development of rugby league in the country.
“The National Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League are places we are looking at to recruite a suitably qualified candidate who has the ability to achieve our goals.”
Tsaka said Cutmore was currently in Brisbane and would return to do a proper hand over.
“The board has appointed PNGRFL treasurer Reatau Rau to be the interim administrator before a new CEO is appointed in January.
Also present at the press conference was PNG Hunters chairman Graham Osborne, PNGRFL director Don Fox, treasurer Rau and Hunters coach Michael Marum.