No more Digicel Cup games will be played in Wabag and Minj starting from today onwards.
PNG-NRL Competition manager Stanley Hondina said this is due to the 2017 National Elections where counting and declarations are still continuing.
“This could continue into next week or longer and disruptions to the competition like last week in Wabag may continue to happen.
“So for the safety of the players and officials, we feel it is best to reschedule the EPG Enga Mioks and Whagi Tumbe games starting this weekend.”
He said the round 11 game between Waghi Tumbe and PRK Mendi Muruks originally set for Minj will now be played today at Goroka at 3pm on Sunday July 30.
He said the rest of the draws for the weekend remain as they are.
The round 12 draws on Sunday August 6 will see a double header in Lae when Enga Mioks take on Goroka Lahanis and Lae Snax Tigers hosting Mendi Muruks.
The other two games will be played the day before on Saturday August 5 in Port Moresby sees Kroton Hela Wigmen and NCDC Vipers host Waghi Tumbe and Rabaul Gurias respectively as lead up matches to the SP Hunters Intrust Super Cup Round 22 game against Ipswich Jets.
Hondina said in round 13 on August 13, a double header between Lae Tigers and Waghi Tumbes and Goroka Lahanis versus Mendi Muruks will be played in Goroka. The other two games will be played in Port Moresby and Kokopo as per the draw.
He said the cancelled round 10 match between Mioks and Muruks which was to be played in Wabag last Sunday will now be played on Wednesday August 9th in Lae.
Hondina added that Madang is being considered as a possible venue to hold one of the Digicel Cup games. “Talks are currently being held with Madang authorities to make this happen over the remaining four games,” he said.
He also confirmed that Mendi Muruks and Enga Mioks have agreed to be based in Lae for the remainder of the season.
“We are happy for them in that they have put the interest of the game of rugby league ahead of their team,” Hondina said.
“We have come this far despite the challenges faced due to the National General elections and the decisions made to reschedule the draws for the remainder of the season are in the best interest of all stakeholders and supporters of the greatest game of all to see the season out on a high note,” said Hondina.