PNGRFL to discuss penalties imposed on Eagles and Gurias

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League office will meet this Saturday to weigh the penalties imposed on Mt Hagen Eagles and Rabaul Gurias by PNGNRL.

PNGRFL CEO Bob Cutmore said the penalties enforced on the club and players will still stand.

“PNGRFL will meet on Saturday to discuss the events that happened to see that the right process and procedure are followed (by PNGNRL),” Cutmore said.  

Below were the decisions PNGNRL reached on the semi-final incident.

Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles:

  • The Eagles have been suspended from taking part in the Digicel Cup competition for the next three years (2017-2019).
  • The third place prize money of K20, 000 is to be forfeited to meet the cost of damages done on the day.
  • The team assistant trainer, Stanley Akinu, has been banned for life from partaking in PNGNRL sanctioned competitions and is never to be seen within 50 metres of PNGRNL competitions.
  • Eagles player Francis Ray has been suspended for 10 years as a player and official in any PNGNRL sanctioned competitions.
  • Eagles player and captain Junior Rau has been suspended for 10 years as a player and official in any PNGNRL sanctioned competitions.
  • Civil charges have been laid against Stanley Akinu and Junior Rau and is a police matter now.

The Agmark Rabaul Gurias:

  • Four players (Francis Paniu, Samuel Hamari, Lucas Kapinias and Adrian Baungus) have been charged for breach of players’ code of conduct against spectators. They have been fined K5,000 each.
  • This fine must be paid before the commencement of the 2017 Digicel Cup season.
  • The four players will also serve a five match suspension (first 5 games) for the 2017 season.

PNG National Rugby League administers the semi-professional rugby league competition – Digicel Cup.      

Author: 
Charles Yapumi