Wigmen, Isou told to go home

By JACK AMI
GULF Isou and Hela Wigmen have been warned to return to their home provinces for the Digicel Cup next season, after being based in Port Moresby for the past two years.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina said that in a press conference at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Thursday.
He said failure to do so would result in PNGNRLC reconsidering their participation in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“I don’t make the decisions. The board will confirm and make an announcement (on their fate) after the annual general meeting in February,” Hondina said.
Hondina said Isou and Wigmen were aware of PNGNRLC’s arrangement, which had allowed for the franchises to use the Oil Search National Football Stadium (NFS) as their home ground while they sorted out their venues in Kerema (Gulf) and Tari (Hela).
“The two years ended last season so they have to return to Hela and Gulf with the board and management of both teams fully aware of the mutual understanding,” he said.
It is understood that for Wigmen, the establishment of a home venue is underway. But for Isou, there is no sign of a rugby league field being rolled out or re-developed for the Digicel Cup.
“They should go back and play their home games at their own venues,” Hondina said. “Enough time was given to them to upgrade or construct their stadium or fields.
“For Central Dabari, they are part of the National Capital District but we also encourage them to establish their own football stadium or field as well.
“We had Isou, Wigmen, Dabari and the (Port Moresby) Vipers sharing NFS last season.”
It is understood that the Vipers, sponsored by the National Capital District Commission, will move their home matches to the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium once redevelopment is completed.
The other eight franchises with own home grounds are Lae Tigers, Rabaul Gurias, Waghi Tumbe, Mt Hagen Eagles, Goroka Lahanis, Kimbe Cutters, Mendi Muruks and Enga Mioks.