Tsaka: We’ve no control over code hopping

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the Southern Confederate have no control over player movement between codes, says an official.
The National interviewed PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka and Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi on the recent inclusion of PNG Orchids’ Catherine Anjo and Lilah Malabag in the Palais’ extended train-on squad for next year’s Sydney and Hong Kong sevens tournaments.
“We have no control over the movement,” Tsaka said.
“It is the choice of the players, but our biggest concern is the injuries they may sustain.
“In rugby league, we have processes for selection at the affiliate, confederate and the national levels.
“Our selected players go through intensive training and undergo medical checks to determine the status of an injury.”
Mairi said players would need to be screened for selection.
“We are talking about the players’ loyalty to rugby league,” he said. “We want loyal players to represent the country in the PNG Orchids jumper.
“We will closely monitor these players, as they are our stars.
“These are two of our top players and if they can maintain their form as the season progresses, that’s good for them.
“We have processes that players have to go through.”