pngrfl

At a press conference held yesterday at the Santos National Football Stadium, representatives of the PNGRFL addressed the process and requirements of affiliation. 
 
Game Development and Participation Coordinator, Nigel Hukula said that the PNGRFL had advertised the expression of interest last Friday to garner interest from new leagues to affiliate due to a hiatus of two years caused by COVID-19 and the National General Elections. 
 
“The whole purpose of this expression of interest is to start getting the momentum of rugby league back into the community.” 

The new measures are in line with the PNGRFL Strategic Plan 2019-2029 approved by the 6th PNGRFL Annual General Meeting in Lae in February 2019 and Governance Reforms approved by the 7 th PNGRFL Annual General Meeting in Port Moresby in June 2020.

The new model has been named the “New Ireland” model that contains requirements for affiliation for Member Associations and the establishment of new respective provincial rugby league boards.
Expressions of Interest (EoI) from interested leagues wishing to affiliate with the PNGRFL will open Friday 3rd of February 2023.

The meeting was underway at the Ribito Hotel on Saturday 17th December, 2022.

The meeting was hosted by Board Chairman and Acting Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka.

During the meeting the board decided it would host the 9^th PNGRFL Annual General Meeting in Wabag on March 25, 2023. PNGNRL CEO Stanley Hondina made the announcement.

On behalf of the Enga Provincial Government, Protocol Officer, Philip Kandes, thanked the PNGRFL for convening the fourth quarter Board Directors meeting in Wabag.

The formal announcement of the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited's (KPHL) agreement with the PNG Rugby Football League for platinum level sponsorship of the national team, the PNGLNG Kumuls took place today at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
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Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited Managing Director, Wapu Sonk said, “We are more than happy to support the development of the national rugby league side in its future endeavours to progress the code in the region and internationally.” 

Franchise Chairman Dr Newton Albert said although a small percentage of the playing group were reluctant to get vaccinated earlier, he’s thanked everyone for their understanding and cooperation to get it out of their system so they can refocus of the upcoming season.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said consultations will be around the establishment of Provincial Boards, Confederation Boards and the new Governance & Management Framework for the PNGRFL under the ‘New Ireland Model’ reforms.

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.