The Telikom Affiliated Leagues Confederate trials scheduled to start in the New Guinea Islands in Kokopo on Thursday October 7, 2021 followed by Southern in Port Moresby, Highlands in Minj and Northern in Lae over the weekend on Saturday October 9, 2021 have been deferred by a month.
The deferral means the 2021 Telikom National Confederate Championships slated for the weekend of October 15 to 17, 2021 in Lae and the All Stars challenge the week after will be re-scheduled.
The Affiliated Leagues comprise Under 20, senior men’s and senior women’s local competitions.
PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina in a statement said the deferral was in line with the directives – Measure 3. Domestic Measures- issued last week by the Pandemic Controller restricting gatherings to no more than 20 persons.
“We have received advise from the National Pandemic Response Office that due to the current surge in the country of the Covid 19 Delta variant, the Measure 3. Domestic directive banning all events for the next one month was issued,” Hondina said.
“Therefore, in compliance with this directive, the Telikom Affiliated Leagues Confederate Trials, the Telikom National Confederate Championships and the All-Stars challenge will be postponed and reviewed after the month.”
Hondina said PNGRFL is an organization that has been complying with all directives issued since day one and will continue to do so.
“Our game is loved and played by many throughout the country and as such we have a duty of care to extend this decision to our people to ensure compliance at all times,” he said.
Hondina appealed to everyone to strictly adhere to all measures issued by the National Pandemic Controller’s Office as Covid 19 is here.
“Let’s all play our part in minimising the risks of transmission and please take care,” he said.