Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL)

QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher, although unable to attend yesterday’s launch in Port Moresby said the High Performance Plan is a wonderful initiative.

“And it’s one that represents a big step forward for the game in a country that lives and breathes rugby league.

“I’d like to congratulate the PNGRFL for their foresight and efforts in bringing this plan to fruition with the support of QRL staff, who have also worked diligently in their roles within the PacificAus Sports Program.”

With the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) scheduled for later this year, the PNG LNG Kumuls are looking forward to the mid-year test as an opportunity to build the national team’s preparations towards the World Cup. 

The Presidents claim the Board has hijacked the process to avoid the election of a new chairman and Director of the Southern Confederate.

The PNGRFL AGM scheduled for today was deferred to the 28^th of March.

The main agenda of the AGM included was the election of the PNGRFL Chairman and Director of the Southern Confederate.

In a media conference, 22 Presidents from the Southern and Northern confederates aired their disappointment over the call to defer the AGM at the eleventh hour.

Specialist advisor to PHA, Raj Juta, announced this at a media conference in Port Moresby.

“PHA is delighted to announce this landmark five year sponsorship with the PNGRFL as platinum sponsors of the PNG LNG Kumuls this year,” Juta said. “PHA will become naming rights sponsors of the PNG Kumuls starting next year 2020 when they will be known as PHA Kumuls until 2023.”

Juta also announced PHA’s partnership with PNGRFL for personal accident protection cover to all registered players and officials, including referees and employees.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said among the agenda items will be the 2018 PNGRFL annual reports, audited financials and Constitutional amendments.

He said a general meeting will be held after the AGM to discuss other rugby league matters.

Tsaka reminded eligible delegates that travel to and from the AGM and accommodation costs will be met by the PNGRFL.

“Those affiliated leagues that complied with the PNGRFL requirements, registrations and completed their season with grand finals are eligible to attend,” Tsaka said.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said this was the first time an insurance company has come on board as a partner to the PNG LNG Kumuls.

“The signing of this MOU with PHA as major sponsors of the PNG LNG Kumuls is a milestone as we prepare our best team for the RLWC in 2021 in England,” Tsaka said.

He said an official contract which will contain the details of this major sponsorship to the PNG LNG Kumuls and a partnership with the PNGRFL will be signed next month.

In a short statement issued today (November 4^th), PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau said the PNGRFL will request the Police Minister and his department to carry out a thorough investigation into this incident.

“If what has happened to the player is true, we totally condemn this incident and deplore the unacceptable behaviour of the person/persons involved,” Rau said.

“PNGRFL will issue a statement as soon as the facts have been established.”

Yip passed away in Kavieng on Monday.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said Yip was PNG Kumul No. 62 and made his debut against France on August 23, 1981, in Port Moresby.

“John debuted in this game as a centre alongside the likes of Darius Haili, Andrew Limi, Philip Ralda and Bernard Waketsi,” Tsaka said.

The Chairman added John Yip is the 4th PNG Kumul centre to pass on this year.

“Earlier this year we lost great Kumul centres Kato Ottio (Kumul No, 269) and David Tinemau (Kumul No. 43) within a week of each other.