PNG DIGICEL CUP 2021

[cumbrian Mackem]

Nothing Official yet but looks like there will be no new Teams added this year 2021.

Not sure what the reasons are but will post an update once the official PNGNRLC press release is given out today.

That’s a shame. Let’s hope it’s just a postponement allowing the new teams more time to prepare.

 

[yakstorm]

So the reasons given to Sepik were:

• Local leagues are considered not active, providing a weak player pool
• Commercial side of the bid was weak, with limited evidence of any sponsorships in place.

Reasons given to the Warriors were:

• Main sponsor is a direct competitor to SP Brewery
• Dickson Oval is still not considered adequate for Digicel Cup matches.

Reasons given to Motu Koita Lagatois were:

• Current PNGNRL bi-laws prevent more than one team from any one district competing in the Digicel Cup

For me, I do question why the PNGRFL didn't let Motu Koita Lagatois know that they would not be eligible months back and can understand that Simbu would be frustrated that their Wine sponsor is considered a competitor to a Beer company.

For Sepik, I'm not across how many games were played in the region in 2020, but I did see that they have 3 affiliated leagues to the PNGRFL, so I'm assuming that these competitions didn't take place last year due to COVID.

 

[mikail-eagle]

So the reasons given to Sepik were:

• Local leagues are considered not active, providing a weak player pool
• Commercial side of the bid was weak, with limited evidence of any sponsorships in place.

Reasons given to the Warriors were:

• Main sponsor is a direct competitor to SP Brewery
• Dickson Oval is still not considered adequate for Digicel Cup matches.

Reasons given to Motu Koita Lagatois were:

• Current PNGNRL bi-laws prevent more than one team from any one district competing in the Digicel Cup

For me, I do question why the PNGRFL didn't let Motu Koita Lagatois know that they would not be eligible months back and can understand that Simbu would be frustrated that their Wine sponsor is considered a competitor to a Beer company.

For Sepik, I'm not across how many games were played in the region in 2020, but I did see that they have 3 affiliated leagues to the PNGRFL, so I'm assuming that these competitions didn't take place last year due to COVID.

The PNGNRLC have been copping a lot of flak on social media in PNG since the news broke.

The Warriors have announced on their fb page that they will be going to Court to challenge the decision made about their Main Sponsor being a Competitor to SP Brewery. They believe a precedent was set 2 years ago when the Central Dabari were accepted. The Dabari were sponsored by Mosin Fresh whom is actually a bigger competitor to SP Brewery.

For the Sepiks they actaully had 3 Leagues in Wewak, Maprik and Vanimo affiliated to PNGRFL. They did have competitions but they were kept very short due to covid.

And with the Motu Koita Lagatois I do agree with you that they should have been told earlier. But I'm pretty sure they would have known about this bi-laws before hand. I think the Moresby Southern Blacks might have pulled out their bid because of this reason.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/warriors-considering-legal-action/

Warriors considering legal action
February 9, 2021The NationalSports


THE Chimbu Warriors are considering legal action against the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition after their bid to enter the 2021 Digicel Cup was rejected.
According to a letter from the PNG Rugby Football League to the Mountain Fruit Wine-sponsored club, it stated that the bid was rejected because of a clash with South Pacific Brewery’s interest as the competition’s platinum sponsor and standard of Dickson Oval in Kundiawa.
Franchise manager Teine Korokoi told The National yesterday that the list of requirements for a franchise to enter the Digicel Cup did not specify what industry a team’s sponsor had to be from in order not to clash with a co-sponsor of the competition.
SP and Mountain Fruit Wine are companies that produce alcoholic beverages.
“One of the reasons that PNGRFL rejected the Warriors is that we (Warriors) are sponsored by a wine company, the Mountain Fruit Wine, and PNGRFL is saying they want to protect the interest of their sponsor SP Brewery,” Korokoi said.
“First of all, there is nothing stated in the requirements regarding the protection of SP Brewery’s interest.
“Secondly, SP Brewery produces beer and Mountain Fruit Wine produces wine and we don’t see our sponsorship has any threat to SP’s interest.”
Korokoi said with regard to the assessment of their home ground Dickson Oval, they had made improvements to the field and main stand and it had been inspected by PNGRFL acting chief executive officer Stanley Hondina and he was satisfied with the venue.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/franchises-warned-to-pay-up/

Franchises warned to pay up
February 9, 2021The NationalSports


DIGICEL Cup franchises Mt Hagen Eagles Enga Mioks Waghi Tumbe and Gulf Isou have been warned to settle their 2020 arrears in order to compete in the upcoming season.
“The challenges of 2020 caused financial hardship on franchises and their sponsors, and extensions had been given on payment due dates,” Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) chairman Adrian Chow said in a statement yesterday.
“However, to maintain the high standards of the Digicel Cup, the board resolved that the franchises must pay the remaining balances as a pre-requisite to the 2021 season.”
Meanwhile, the 12 existing Digicel Cup franchises — Hela Wigmen, Lae Tigers, Rabaul Gurias, Port Moresby Vipers, Eagles, Mendi Muruks, Kimbe Cutters, Isou, Goroka Lahanis, Mioks, Central Dabaris and Tumbe — have been given the nod for the upcoming season.
Chow said 15 applications were received when expressions of interest were sought last November.
“The three unsuccessful bidders were the Motu-Koita Lagatois, Simbu Warriors and Sepik Pride,” he said.
“We understand the amount of effort put into the bids.
“The PNGNRLC board did not reject the bids outright.
“We want to ensure that all the relevant support and requirements are correct from the beginning, so that the franchises are in the competition for a long time.”
Chow outlined the reasons their applications were not successful for now.
“The Lagatois’ bid was well supported with reputable corporate sponsors and the proponents can bring sports administration of high standard and commercial benefits to the competition,” he said.
“However, the PNGNRLC constitution, adopted in 2018, allows for only one franchise per province.”
Chow said approval was required from the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to allow two or more affiliates franchises per province. “We will continue to liaise and undertake the process of consultation with our stakeholders for justification before recommending to PNGRFL to accept their proposal,” he said.
For the Warriors, Chow said the proposed naming-rights sponsors was not acceptable as it breached exclusive rights granted under current competition commercial arrangements and the proposed home ground Dickson Oval was not to a satisfactory standard following inspection last month.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/sepik-pride-bid-denied-due-to-lack-of-local-leagues-finances/

Sepik Pride bid denied due to lack of local leagues, finances
February 9, 2021The NationalSports

THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) says the Sepik Pride bid to join the Digicel Cup was unsuccessful because it lacked financial backing and had a limited player base to support.
The PNGNRLC board in a letter addressed to the Pride management last week said there was no evidence of sponsorship or an active local league — which were requirements for bids.
“The bid is financially weak as there is no evidence or letters in support of sponsorship, the local league is not active so there is limited local player and official base,” the PNGNRLC said.
The PNGNRLC suggested that local rugby league competitions in the East Sepik be revived to boost active participation.
“It is essential the local competition be restarted to develop the game through active participation at local level to give confidence in the province’s rugby league administration.” Meanwhile, the Pride management have welcomed the decision from the PNGNRLC, however, they have pointed out differences in the assessment of their financial backing and local competitions.
“We believe the reasons (given) were not on a good ground and PNGNRLC has failed the bidders,” the Pride said.
“For the Sepik Pride, we had good backing of sponsors and we were ready to hit the ground running.
“Sepik alone has three local leagues affiliated to PNGRFL – Wewak, Maprik and Vanimo — unlike some other franchises.
“There are over 49 leagues affiliated to PNGRFL and three of them are from the Greater Sepik Region alone.
“PNGNRLC has failed by not going through their books to see which leagues are active.
“We welcome their decision but we kindly ask PNGNRLC to go back to their round table and review their requirements and make it right.”

Post

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/gurias-eyeing-stronger-finish/

Gurias eyeing stronger finish
February 10, 2021

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Rabaul Gurias are eyeing a strong finish in the upcoming Digicel Cup season despite Watson Boas, Terry Wapi, Ila Alu, Wartovo Puara Jr, Stanley Olo and Epel Kapinias joining the SP Hunters.
Part of Hunters coach Matthew Church’s 30-man squad, the six players will relocate to the Gold Coast where they will be based in Runaway Bay for the entire 2021 Queensland Intrust Super Cup season.
The Gurias won last year’s minor premiership but fell short of the grand final with a one-point loss to eventual champions Hela Wigmen.
Gurias manager Mapua Tamtu told The National yesterday that they had enough talents in East New Britain to fill the void created by the departure of their key players.
“There are a lot of talented players who are competing for spots in the Gurias,” he said.
“We will miss their experience but their departure has created an opportunity for younger talents to push for spots in the squad.
“We are confident that their replacements will step up and maintain the high standards of the Gurias.
“We have 35 players who are undergoing our train-and-trial programme since last month.
“We will trim the squad to at least 27 players.
“Between now and March, we will continue training and play some trials.”
Tamtu said Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach and former Gurias mentor Michael Marum had been involved with the Gurias during the pre-season.
He said Marum’s assistance had boosted the morale of the trialists.
“He has given the young players some tips and has shared his experiences with team,” Tamtu said.
“His input will help us throughout the season.”
Meanwhile, Tamtu said the Gurias would invite the Kimbe Cutters for a trial match at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo next month.

 

[yakstorm]

The Warriors have announced on their fb page that they will be going to Court to challenge the decision made about their Main Sponsor being a Competitor to SP Brewery. They believe a precedent was set 2 years ago when the Central Dabari were accepted. The Dabari were sponsored by Mosin Fresh whom is actually a bigger competitor to SP Brewery.

I feel like this is wasted effort by Simbu. Technically it is the PNGRFL's competition, they can pick and choose who they want to add to it and this wasn't the only reason they failed the bid.

Unless the PNG legal system is drastically different than the rest of the world, there isn't really a legal argument they can put forward that would be sufficient enough to see the PNGRFL forced to overturn the decision.

IMO if they do go to court, they are less likely to be accepted in future years and will rack up significant legal costs.

 

[mikail-eagle]

I feel like this is wasted effort by Simbu. Technically it is the PNGRFL's competition, they can pick and choose who they want to add to it and this wasn't the only reason they failed the bid.

Unless the PNG legal system is drastically different than the rest of the world, there isn't really a legal argument they can put forward that would be sufficient enough to see the PNGRFL forced to overturn the decision.

IMO if they do go to court, they are less likely to be accepted in future years and will rack up significant legal costs.

Yes exactly right. I think they are just blowing steam. Going to court against the PNGNRLC and PNGRFL would badly affect their bid in future years.

Their argument over the Sponsorship rights issue might have merit. But the Dickson Oval which would be their home ground won't be ready until mid year.

 

[mikail-eagle]

So the Simbu Warriors have dropped their Court case and got themselves a new Sponsor. And they are now appealing the PNGNRLC decision not to add them this year.

Will be interesting to see what happens.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/simbu-warriors-secure-new-sponsor/

Simbu Warriors secure new sponsor
February 15, 2021The NationalSports

THE Simbu Warriors have secured a new naming-rights sponsor after their bid for the 2021 Digicel Cup season was rejected by the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC), according to an official.
PHA Health Insurance have come onboard with a K2 million sponsorship for the Warriors after their proposed naming-rights sponsor, Mountain Fruit Wine, was not accepted as it had breached the exclusive rights given to the competition’s platinum sponsor.
With a new sponsor in place, the Warriors have submitted an appeal to PNGNRLC which gave the three rejected franchises a week to appeal its decision.
In addition to a new naming-rights sponsor, the Warriors’ committee have included in their appeal a signed agreement with the Minj Rugby League to use their field until Chimbu’s Dickson Oval is fully upgraded.
The team’s naming-rights sponsor and home ground were the two reasons highlighted when PNGNRLC declined their bid. But after submitting the appeal, a decision from the competition board will determine the Warriors’ future in the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
“PNGNRLC has given us seven days for the appeal,” committee member Gibson Siune said.
“Within those seven days, we have secured a sponsorship for 2021.
“We have also secured an arrangement with the Minj Rugby League ground to host the game in Jiwaka.”
PHA deputy chief executive John Elisa announced the K2 million sponsorship for the Warriors, saying they were ready to back the team in their appeal.
“PHA has made a commitment with rugby league officials and the provincial administration to put forward the appeal for Simbu to take part in the 2021 Digicel cup season,” he said.
“This is a milestone in our achievement as a community outreach initiative as sports are essential to the enjoyment of life.”

 

[yakstorm]

Saw this post from the Motu Koita Lagatois as well which is interesting:


I'm sure Moresby South, who have also expressed interest in being in the Digicel Cup, will be following this announcement carefully

 

[yakstorm]

THE NATIONAL 16/02/2021
https://www.thenational.com.pg/moresby-south-blacks-determined-to-enter-cup/

Moresby South Blacks Determined To Enter Cup

Moresby South Blacks’ bid for Digicel Cup 2022 season is still on target despite Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition’s (PNGNRFLC) constitution which requires only one franchise from a province.

Moresby South Rugby League president Brown Murema told The National yesterday that the National Capital District had abundance of talents compared to other provinces. Murema said NCD alone could field four Digicel Cup teams and that it needed more franchises apart from the Port Moresby Vipers.

“There is no doubt that Moresby South Blacks meets all the requirements and I don’t see why we would miss out on Digicel Cup next year,” he said.

“In fact, the Blacks have gone beyond because unlike other Digicel Cup teams, we are rolling out our own junior development and schoolboys rugby league in our electorate this year.

“Our local league have grown with more talents.

“We have a great facility that is better than the home ground of most of the franchises.

“Our sponsors are set and are willing to support.

“So we have ticked all the boxes.
“The only obstacle is the PNGNRLC’s constitution that only allows one team to a province.”

Murema called on the PNGNRLC to revoke the policy and make an exception for NCD.

“Port Moresby Vipers alone cannot cater for the abundance of talent in the city.

“The city needs three more franchises.”

Murema said it was unfair to see Digicel Cup franchises that did not have a home ground or a local league poaching players from leagues in NCD and yet be allowed to participate.

He said instead of other teams benefiting from the wealth of talents in the city, the PNGRFL needed to allow Port Moresby to have three more franchises of its own and this would also force teams from other provinces to develop their own competitions and players.

 

[mikail-eagle]

I definitely agree that the PNGRFL by-laws in having just 1 Team per Province needs to be changed.

The 3 Major Competitions in Port Moresby can definitely supply players for up to 4 Teams.

The Moresby South Rugby League competition is almost as big as the Pom Rugby League. Currently most of their players are scattered throughout the other Digicel Cup Teams. Most of them with the Hela Wigmen, Gulf Isou and the Enga Mioks. They also have a their own little boutique Stadium which can hold about 5000-8000 spectators.

 

[yakstorm]

From a population, infrastructure, participation and sponsorship perspective, it makes massive sense to have more teams from the NCD. You only have to look at the size of the sponsorship deal with Pepsi, Motu Koita was able to command, and how good the new Moresby South Stadium is to see what they can bring.

The fact Port Moresby also has the NFS and Sir John Guise Stadium all within the city limits and with the Central Dabaris planning on moving out of town and into the province, you could easily have 3 different teams all playing out of different stadiums easily.

My only concern with having up to 4 teams in Port Moresby is how much it limits the growth of the Digicel Cup moving forward. 3 more teams in the capital brings the total number of sides to 15... how many more can the competition support from a cost and logistics perspective?

Areas like New Ireland, Bougainville, the Fly River region (South West), Sepik (North West) all tick boxes from a growth perspective, you then have areas with strong RL heritage and populations like Madang and Simbu who currently aren't represented.

I'm not sure how big RL is in Oro, but again it is possibly another area which has a strong argument for a team from either a growth or a playing population perspective.

 

[mikail-eagle]

I also think 4 Teams in Port Moresby is way too many.
So I'm ok with 3 Teams if the Lagatois & the Southern Blacks can get in to join the Vipers.

Rumors on PNG Social Media is that the Simbu Warriors & MK Lagatois appeals for addition this year could be successful so we might still be looking at 14 Teams this year.

That means next year there will again be bids from the Sepik Pride plus New Ireland and the Southern Blacks.

 

[mikail-eagle]

He would be a great pick up for any of the Digicel Cup Teams this year.

https://www.thenational.com.pg/lo-returns-after-aust-contract-cancelled/

Lo returns after Aust contract cancelled

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls flyer Garry Lo has returned to the country following the cancellation of his contract with Australian third-tier club, Beerwah Bulldogs.
The 29-year old told The National on Tuesday that the cancellation was due to the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the Sunshine Coast competition this year.
“Covid-19 has affected the competition in which I was supposed to play,” the former SP Hunter and Castleford Tiger said.
“There were some delays in my arrangement with the club and I waited but they said that my contract had been cancelled, so I had to return home last month.
“I am at home in Mt Hagen, spending some time with my family while awaiting opportunities.
“I am still doing my own training to keep fit.
“I’m open and hoping for any calls from Queensland Intrust Super Cup or Digicel Cup teams.”
Lo, who played five tests for PNG and scored four tries so far, said he remained upbeat despite going through some rough times throughout his rugby league career.
Despite his current situation, Lo said he was eyeing a Kumuls spot for this year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
“Definitely, I want to retain my spot in the Kumuls,” he said.
“The World Cup is always exciting and I want to be there.
“I know selectors have their criteria.
“But regardless of whatever competition I may be playing in this year, I will perform to the best of my abilities as I want to be in (Kumuls) coach Michael Marum’s squad.”

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/pngrfl-awaiting-approval/


PNGRFL awaiting approval

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has tentatively set April 24-25 to kick off its rugby league season, pending approval from the Office of the Pandemic Controller.
PNGRFL chief executive Stanley Hondina said this was due to the new measures announced last week by Controller David Manning following the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
“We at PNGRFL, like every citizen in PNG, respect these new measures and are obliged to strictly adapt to the ‘niupla pasin’ protocols,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Hondina said the ‘Banis Protocols’, under which the Digicel Cup was successfully run in 2020, were being reviewed and revised to include selected affiliated leagues and schools to start their competitions.
“We have submitted these revised protocols to the Controller’s Office for approval so that the 12 Digicel Cup franchises, compliant affiliated leagues and schools in the country, can resume preparations and training to tentatively kick off on the weekend of April 24 and 25,” he said.
“This includes closed, opposed sessions and trial matches with no inter-provincial travels over the next four weeks.”
Hondina said the Digicel Cup was the second rugby league competition after Australia’s NRL played worldwide in 2020.
“The PNG National Rugby League Competition managed the Digicel Cup franchise draws, travels, accommodation and all associated activities quite strictly under the Banis Protocols with no transmission of the virus reported,” he said.
“We appreciate the support and co-operation of the Office of the Pandemic Controller and staff, PNG Sports Foundation, the Digicel Cup franchises, our valued stakeholders and partners and the rugby league families and supporters in PNG for its success.”
He urged franchises, leagues and schools to observe the new measures until approval was granted.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/motu-koita-lagatois-reset-digicel-cup-bid-for-next-year/

Motu-Koita Lagatois reset Digicel Cup bid for next year
April 9, 2021The NationalSports


THE Motu-Koita Lagatois have reset their Digicel Cup bid for 2022 after their initial bid for this year was unsuccessful.
Franchise manager Arthur Patrick told The National yesterday that the Lagatois board had a meeting with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) last month after their bid was rejected.
Patrick said PNGRFL pointed out some of the requirements that the Lagatois had missed in the 2021 bid.
He said the Lagatois would be ready next year.
“We will use this year to rectify those areas,” Patrick said.
“I believe it’s good for the team as well. It will give us more time to be more than prepared before the season starts next year.
“This year, we were ready but there were some things that we never looked at so we are satisfied with PNGRFL’s decision.
“We will be better in 2022.”
Patrick said they had advised their players to maintain their form while playing in the local leagues.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/digicel-cup-gets-k6-6mil/

Digicel Cup gets K6.6mil


DIGICEL yesterday announced the continuation of its Digicel Cup naming rights sponsorship with a K3.3mil injection into the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) per annum for the next two years.
Digicel PNG senior vice-president Lorna McPherson said it was important that Digicel continued to back the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“This is the 11th year of sponsoring the Digicel Cup and we are proud to extend our support for another two years,” she said
“We spend more than K3 million every year which is a lot of money. Why do we do that?
“We know that rugby league is truly the No.1 sport in PNG and it impacts people all over the country.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen the competition grow from strength to strength.
“It is important for us as a company that covers all of PNG to get involved in the sport.
“The competition has also allowed us to market our brand and grow as an organisation.
“So for now, our commitment is only for two years.
“But we believe we can go longer than that in the future.”
PNG Rugby Football League chief executive and PNGNRLC acting manager Stanley Hondina thanked Digicel for the continued partnership with rugby league in the country.
“We thank Digicel for extending their support,” Hondina said.
“We are in a very difficult time with the economy but we are grateful for Digicel to continue as a major partner of this competition.
“Last year, when sporting events were cancelled due to Covid-19, Digicel stood with us and we had a successful season.
“Digicel not only supports PNGNRLC but they are our major partner that back other PNGRFL programmes like the Kumuls, Orchids and more.”

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.thenational.com.pg/digicel-cup-workshop-begins/

Digicel Cup workshop begins
April 29, 2021The NationalSports


A TWO-DAY Digicel Cup coaching and refereeing workshop will be held in Port Moresby from today.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chief executive Stanley Hondina said the workshop, themed ‘improving standards’, would involve all 12 Digicel Cup clubs and referees.
“The workshop, facilitated by PNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum, is expected to cover topics ranging from the roles and responsibilities of the coach and his staff, including medical to the Banis Protocols,” Hondina said.
“The keynote speakers on the opening day via recorded video will be former Kumul John Wilshire and Paramatta Eels elite pathway coaching director and PNG LNG Kumuls support staff Joseph Grima.”
He said video messages would be relayed by Kumuls captain Rhys Martin, SP Hunters coach Matthew Church and captain Ila Alu as well as Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam.
“There will also be presentations on the women’s game by Oil Search PNG Orchids captain Elsie Albert and the National Rugby League’s ‘League for Life’ programme,” Hondina said.
“Consultation between referees and coaches is paramount.”
He said the workshop would be held at Sir John Guise Stadium with practical sessions to take place on the field.
“The workshop covers not only what coaches, trainers and their staff can do for their franchises but importantly to exercise these values from our premier competition to the affiliated leagues, which include women, Under-20s and juniors in schools,” Hondina said.
“The objective is to improve our standards at all levels.”
He said the 2021 Digicel Cup season, compliant leagues and the schools competition were expected to kick off in the next two weeks.
“We’re awaiting approval from the Pandemic Controller’s Office and hopefully should announce the Digicel Cup kick-off date and release the draws at the end of the workshop on Friday,” Hondina said.