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PNG Digicel Cups expands in 2019

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
https://www.thenational.com.pg/three-sides-join-race/

DIGICEL CUP EXPANDS TO 12.

THREE teams have been added to next year’s Digicel Cup season with the Hagen Eagles rejoining the competition they were banned from at the end of 2016.
The other two are new franchises the Kimbe Cutters (West New Britain) and Central Dabaris (Central).
The Chimbu Warriors will not take part in next year’s competition with the PNGNRLC excluding the franchise because it had not secured a home ground (the Warriors played all their home games last year at the Minj Rugby League Oval) as well as being unable to guarantee it could sustain itself throughout the course of the new season.
In a statement released yesterday the PNGNRLC under manager Stanley Hondina, pictured, said it was excited to embark on the semi-professional competition’s expansion agenda with the most number of teams so far since the competition was first established in 1990 as the then SP Inter-City Cup.
“The PNGNRLC is very excited to announce the expansion of the Digicel Cup competition in 2019. Three new teams have been admitted while one has been dropped,” the statement said.
“Chimbu Warriors has been dropped from the competiation for failing to meet certain requirements set last season.
“The PNG NRLC board approved their participation last season to play at Minj on the condition that Dickson Oval be upgraded. However, a recent inspection found that there has been no or little improvement made to the oval.
“The inspection also showed substantive damage to the fencing which is understood to have arisen from spectator behaviour during a local league grand final.”
The PNGNRLC said the Warriors had nominated a field in neighbouring Eastern Highlands in their application to participate next year but the board considered it ‘inappropriate’ as Goroka was already home to the Lahanis who played out of the National Sports Institute.
“The Board also noted that the Warriors did not demonstrate sufficient financial support and sponsorship and whether it would become available as the franchise found it difficult to operate towards the end of the 2018 season due to limited financial resources.
“Due to these reasons, the PNGNRLC board rejected their application to participate in the 2019 season.”
The returning nine clubs are Goroka Lahanis, Mendi Muruks, Enga Mioks, Waghi Tumbe, Lae Tigers, Hela Wigmen, Port Moresby Vipers, Gulf Isou and Agmark Gurias.
Four new bids – Mt Hagen Eagles, Central Dabaris, Kimbe Cutters and Mt Hagen Kera Doi – were received.
“The board approved the admission of Mt Hagen Eagles, Central Dabaris and Kimbe Cutters into the 2019 Digicel Cup competition. Their applications were successful after meeting all the strict requirements set.
“The application by Kera Doi was rejected as it was not accompanied by the required payment of the bid fee.”
The PNG NRLC board with guidance and advice from PNGRFL board was confident the decisions made were in the best interest for the growth and development of the game in the country.
“The standards set in governance and administration will continue as we strive for best outcomes.”
Participation agreements and associated documents will be distributed to all 12 clubs in the coming days so the 2019 season launch and draw can be finalised in the New Year.
The new season is scheduled to kick off on Sun, April 7, 2019.
“PNG NRLC extends its gratitude to naming rights sponsors Digicel and platinum sponsor SP Brewery for their continued support to our domestic professional competition.”
The PNGRFL and PNGNRLC boards welcomed the three new teams — Eagles, Dabaris and Cutters — to the PNGNRLC family and encourage all 12 teams with their players and staff to be good ambassadors for their sponsors and supporters and role models by displaying true sportsmanship on and off the field.
Teams in 2019 Digicel Cup:
1. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis,
2. EPG Enga Mioks,
3. Giru Waghi Tumbe,
4. PRK Mendi Muruks,
5. Snax Lae Tigers,
6. Kroton Hela Wigmen,
7. NCDC Port Moresby Vipers,
8. PRK Gulf Isou,
9. Agmark Gurias,
10. Wamp Nga Hagen Eagles,
11. Vitis Central Dabari,
12. Kimbe Cutters.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
Just some information on the new Teams.

1. The Central Dabari sponsored by Local Brewer Vitias Industries will represent the people of Central Province.
The Central Province and its people are the original inhabitants and Landowners of what is now Port Moresby.
But the City itself was separated from Central Province when the National Capital District was formed in the late 1970's.
The Central Province run their own local leagues separate from the bigger Port Moresby Rugby League and it is the first time they will have a Team of their own in the Digicel Cup.

Famous Central players include the late Kato Ottio and former Kumuls such as Philip Boge, Dairi Kovea, Daroa Ben-Moide, Tony Kila etc..
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
2. Kimbe Cutters

The Kimbe Cutters come from the Island Province of West New Britain.

It is going to be only the second team out of the Islands Provinces, who have for so long only been represented by the Agmark Gurias from neighboring East New Britain Province.
They have about 4 league associations in the province and I believe the Cutters team will draw players from these competitions. These players now have a pathway to the Hunters and beyond.

The most famous player out of West New Britain Province is Marcus Bai. But even he had to make his way to Port Moresby to get noticed.

Hopefully the new Team unearths a few more Marcus Bai's.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
It must be a logistical nightmare running this comp.

It most definitely is. While Lae City and the 5 Highlands Provinces are connected by road it is still up to 6-7 hours drives on bad roads.

And Port Moresby isn't connected by road to any of these other Provinces so all Teams have to fly in and out of the Capital.

This is also the same when Teams travel to the Islands Provinces.
 

Walter sobchak

First Grade
Messages
5,845
it's fair to say then that geography plays a major role in capping PNGs potential
On a domestic level. Maybe but what’s stopping NRL clubs teaming up with and partnering digicel Cup teams by running coaching clinics and investing as little as $20k a year?? I’m sure $20k could go a long way in PNG and would be more than worth it if another Adrian lam or a Marcus Bai is unearthed.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
https://www.thenational.com.pg/digicel-cup-being-digitised-hondina/

Digicel Cup being digitised: Hondina

DIGITAL improvements are one aspect of development that will be featured in this season’s Digicel Cup.

PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina mentioned this among some key changes to the semi-professional competition at the release of the 2019 draw on Tuesday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

“We want the Digicel Cup to rise to another level and every year we are improving,” Hondina said.
“I think the main improvement this year is how we digitalise the game,” Hondina said.
“Basically we want to operate like the QRL and everything we’re doing must be similar to what’s happening at that level, that’s the way forward.

“So we’ve invested in video cameras so all franchises will have the necessary equipment to help with post match video reviews.

“When the coaches attended a conference last month we installed the Fair Play software on their laptops that will help them capture all highlights of the game.”

Another improvement is the live scoring system that will be used in all matches all across the country.
“Tablets have been given out and our match officials will be updating scores live so wherever you are around the world, you will have access to the live scores.”

Meanwhile, Hondina confirmed the 12 participating teams:
1. Lae Snax Tigers,
2. Agmark Gurias,
3. Central Dabaris,
4. Gulf Isou,
5. Mendi Muruks,
6. NPort Moresby Vipers,
7. Kimbe Cutters,
8. Waghi Tumbe,
9. Mt Hagen Eagles,
10. Enga Mioks,
11. Goroka Lahanis
12. Hela Wigmen.

Following the footsteps of the QRL, the Digicel Cup will use a top-six finals format this year with a total of 23 games — each club will play nine home and nine away games during the regular season.

The official launch of the Digicel Cup will be on Wednesday, April 3 in Port Moresby three days before the first round kicks off on April 7 (Sunday).

All clubs have their home grounds in their respective province while the four teams, Hela Wigmen, Central Dabaris, Gulf Isou and Port Moresby Vipers will be using the NFS as their home ground.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
https://postcourier.com.pg/digicel-cup-set-kick-off-april-7/

Digicel Cup set for kick off on April 7

The 2019 Digicel Cup season is set to kick off round one on April 7 with 12 franchise teams participating.
This season will see a total of 18 normal round games including four weekends of finals and a top six finals format.
Each team will play nine home and nine away games.

The 12 teams who will participate this season are reigning champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles, PRK Gulf Isou, EPG Enga Mioks, PRK Mendi Muruks, JPG Waghi Tumbe, NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, NGIP Agmark Rabaul Gurias, Lae Snax Tigers, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Kimbe Cutters and Central Dabaris.

PNG National Rugby League Competition manager Stanley Hondina said according to the draw, four teams will be based in Port Moresby with two games played in the capital every weekend while another four will be based in other centres.

Hondina said they have seen improvements taking place especially with assistance coming from SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum and PNG Rugby Football League with game pathway opportunities, game analysing applications and training skills and drills.

“In every off season, Marum calls in two or three coaches and trainers of Digicel Cup teams to be part of the Hunters program so they can understand what is done at the Hunters and take it back to their local competitions,” Hondina said.

He said players like Edwin Ipape who came out straight from the PNG Residents team last year is now with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Intrust Super Cup competition. It is the pathway that is given directly to the players.

“Knowledge transfer, skills transfer, training and expertise transfer and that have been happening and it works well for us. I am seeing sustainable change in the way teams are playing,” Hondina said.

On investments, Hondina said they have done some sustainable investments this year in an attempt to better the quality of the game and content (product).

He also acknowleged game analyser company called Fair Play who are the provider of fair play software that coaches use to analyse the game.

“We had a coaching conference last month.
“At that time the fair play guys came up and installed the software into all our laptops and all coaches have the game analysing software,” Hondina said.

Round one draws:

1. Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles vs Bintangor Goroka Lahanis (Hagen)
2. PRK Gulf Isou vs EPG Enga Mioks (POM)
3. PRK Mendi Muruks vs JPG Waghi Tumbe (Mendi)
4. NCDC POM Vipers vs Agmark Rabaul Gurias (POM)
5. Lae Snax Tigers vs Kroton Hela Wigmen (Lae)
6. Kimbe Cutters vs Central Dabaris (Kimbe).
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
The 2019 Season Kicks off this weekend.
The season launch was held last night.

https://postcourier.com.pg/growth-digicel-cup-fantastic-mcpherson/

Growth of Digicel Cup "fantastic".

Mobile phone provider Digicel PNG has never lost focus on supporting rugby league at the grassroots level, especially at the rural communities.

Digicel PNG senior vice-president Lorna McPherson said at the launch of the 2019 Digicel Cup launch at the Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby last night. The event was attended by the 12 franchise club captains, sponsors, government dignitaries and naming rights sponsors, Digicel PNG.

Also attending the event were Public Enterprises and State Investment Minister William Duma, Immigration and Border Security Minister Petrus Thomas and Central Bank Governor Loi Bakani.
McPherson said the company is proud to be the naming rights sponsor for more than 11 years now and the growth of rugby league has been fantastic.

“The growth of the Digicel Cup has been fantastic. It is not only seen in the strengths of the teams but the quality of coaches, referees and linesmen. It is fantastic to see how teams now have nutrition programs in place for the players,” she said.

“In about four weeks from now Digicel will launch its new TV App-Play Go. This means everyone in Papua New Guinea who has their smart phone will be able to watch TV and the Digicel Cup which is so important. Digicel is bringing TV to the masses.”

The 12 teams participating in the 2019 season are reigning champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, PRK Gulf Isou, PRK Mendi Muruks, NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Agmark Rabaul Gurias, Lae Snax Tigers, JDC Waghi Tumbe, EPG Enga Mioks, Kimbe Cutters, Central Dabaris and Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles.

There was also more good news when SP Brewery senior brand manager Lawrence Acanufa Jr announced that the company was proud to be the platinum sponsor with a sponsorship of K620,000 to Digicel Cup for the next two years under its flagship brand – SP Lager.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
Do they televise games over there? Is it possible to watch any outside of PNG?

All the games are recorded but only one game per week is televised.
Highlights of the other games are shown during the week.

Digicel will be launching its new TV APP- "Play Go" next month. That's for fans to watch the game from their smart phones instead of finding the nearest TV set.

Maybe this App might work in other countries as well.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
Draw for Round 1

1. Mt Hagen Eagles vs Goroka Lahanis (Venue: Mt Hagen)
2. Mendi Muruks vs Waghi Tumbe (Venue: Mendi)
3. Lae Tigers vs Hela Wigmen (Venue: Lae)
4. Kimbe Cutters vs Central Dabari (Venue: Kimbe)
5. Gulf Isou vs Enga Mioks (Venue: Port Moresby)
6. Port Moresby Vipers vs Rabaul Gurias (Venue: Port Moresby)

All games are on Sunday 7th April.
The 2 newest teams face each other in this opening round.
Port Moresby hosts a double header to start off this round.
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
Round 1 Results

1. Mt Hagen Eagles 8 vs Goroka Lahanis 6
2. Mendi Muruks 10 vs Waghi Tumbe 12
3. Lae Tigers 12 vs Hela Wigmen 8
4. Kimbe Cutters 20 vs Central Dabari 36
5. Gulf Isou 34 vs Enga Mioks 16
6. Port Moresby Vipers 10 vs Rabaul Gurias 26
 

mikail-eagle

Bench
Messages
2,751
In case some of you might be interested, I have below Official Facebook Pages of some of the Digicel Cup Teams.


1. Agmark Rabaul Gurias - https://www.facebook.com/agmarkguriasrlfc/
2. Central Dabari - https://www.facebook.com/centraldabari/
3. Port Moresby Vipers - https://www.facebook.com/ncdcpomviper/
4. Mendi Muruks - https://www.facebook.com/PRK.Mendi.Muruks/
5. Gulf Isou - https://www.facebook.com/PRK-Gulf-Isou-2019-281595082513057/
6. Mt Hagen Eagles - https://www.facebook.com/MountHagenEagles/
7. Lae Snax Tigers - https://www.facebook.com/LaeSnaxTigersOfficial/
8. Enga Mioks - https://www.facebook.com/Miok4Prize/
 
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