Tsaka responds to query

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, pictured, was disappointed with an attempt to petition him by affiliates at Monday’s annual general meeting in Port Moresby calling for clarification on the governing body’s board restructure.
The petition, signed by majority of league presidents from the four regions, was supposed to be presented before the AGM but Tsaka refused to accept it.
Tsaka instead said he was aware of the concerns expressed by the leagues and would address them in writing.
The non-elective AGM was attended by International Rugby League Federation representative Tas Baitieri.
The PNGRFL financial report along with other reports relating to 2017 were accepted by the affiliates.
During the meeting Tsaka verbally responded to the petition saying that it was uncalled for as the affiliates had been misinformed as to the structure of the PNGRFL.
The affiliates wanted the chairman to clarify the board restructure and why the deputy chairman position was vacant.
Tsaka said the deputy chairman’s position was not vacant as it had been abolished five years ago.
“I challenge you all at the next AGM in February next year in Mt Hagen to amend the rule and propose a new one for the PNGRFL board,” Tsaka said.
He said the affiliated leagues could make proposals at the next AGM on the board’s structure.
Affiliation to the PNGRFL for 2018 closes on March 2.
This includes the players’ registration of K50 to be settled by June with all the summaries to be attached. Tsaka was critical of the presidents push for increased seating allowances and said it would be a matter for the PNGRFL board to decide on.
Tsaka also fended off allegations that the PNGRFL office had underperformed in their duty to leagues around the country.
He said the best time to address the issues raised by the affiliates would be at the next AGM.