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The teams vying for 2021 Digicel Cup are; Central Dabaris, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, PRK Mendi Muruks, PRK Gulf Isous, Enga Mioks, Moniplus NCD Vipers, Agmark Rabaul Gurias, Lae Snax Tigers, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Kimbe Cutters, JPG Waghi Tumbe and Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles.

PNG Rugby Football League CEO, Stanley Hondina expressed his appreciation to the National Pandemic Controller, David Manning for approving the Digicel Cup competition.

‘The Growing and Supporting Rugby League in Papua New Guinea’ is a three-year program aimed at developing pathways for Pacific teams to play in high-level Australian competitions.

It also will ensure emerging PNG athletes benefit from high performance coaching and training with a focus on female athlete development.

The event was attended by PNG Hunters Chair, Stan Joyce, PNG Hunters Coach, Mathew Church, former PNG Kumuls, Mark Mom and john Wilshere, PNG Orchid, Amelia Kuk, High Commissioner to Australia, John Kali.

At least that’s the bold message from PNGRFL High Performance Manager and Kumul Coach Michael Marum who’s currently overseeing the Gurias preseason program.

Since taking charge of the Gurias preseason training, Marum warned players with ill discipline and attitude problem will not be tolerated in the camp regardless of their status or seniority.

Since the departure of six of their core players to join the PNG Hunters this year, the Gurias are now in the process of rebuilding their squad with more focus on grooming new players.

The Gurias preseason training program has been under the control of former mentor and current PNG Kumul coach, Michael Marum.

The return of Rabaul Gurias original mentor, and super coach Michael Marum to take charge of the Gurias preseason training has brought back some pride and credibility to the team.

While NCD and Central province did not take part in the 2021 CCI Competition due to COVID-19, Competition Manager Sam Koim said Storm actually got in by default after meeting a certain term and condition.

This year’s Coca Cola Ipatas Cup Challenge has been concentrated only in the Western End and Eastern End due to COVID-19.

The announcement of Storm representing NCD in the Eastern End finals in Lae next weekend, is welcome news.

“SAM KOIM-INSERT

Representing the Border Storm club are husband and wife, team manager Tony Wani, and patron Mama Rita.

PNGRFL Acting CEO Stanley Hondina issued a statement today, and on Thursday February 4, at 5pm, all 34 players and staff entered the prearranged quarantine bubble as outlined in the Quarantine Plan provided to Queensland Health Authority (QHA) and underwent PCR testing.

“The results of the tests were received on Friday February 5, 2021 and with the exception of one member whose result was classified as ‘inconclusive’, all were negative,” Hondina said.

“The member was immediately isolated pending further investigations and testings.”

Chairman of the PNG Rugby Football League, Sandis Tsaka informed all games organisers to set up ‘donation buckets’ at all venues and to observe a ‘minutes silence’ before each game to remember those who have lost their lives.

“The earthquake disaster has seriously devastated people and provinces where rugby league is passionately followed.

“We as a sport have to stand united with our people whose lives and homes have been affected.”

Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said Wani’s appointment to referee a Test match is a massive boost to the game development.

“This is a vote of confidence by the RLIF to the development of our game in PNG. It is a show of confidence in our standards and programs, especially the training and accreditation systems developed and established in partnership with the NRL and QRL over the past few years.

 “We have been investing in our referees and coaches over the past several years and the fruits of this investment are showing with Paul’s appointment.”

These two games will mark the official start to our PNG Rugby League season.

Our two champion teams – Digicel Cup premiers Lae Snax Tigers and Queensland Intrust Super Cup premiers SP PNG Hunters - begin their defence against quality opposition.

In a statement, PNGRFL CEO, Reatau Rau explained that both games are equal in status with the first game between the Tigers and Nadi Aviators not dubbed as a curtain raiser but the first of the international double header for the day.

Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said the agenda will include the 2017 PNGRFL Annual Reports and Audited Financials.

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 plus accommodation costs will be met by the PNGRFL and subsistence and other costs are the responsibility of the delegates and their respective leagues.