The 2022 Digicel Cup Season will finally kick off this weekend as 12 franchise clubs go into their final preparations to take the field come Sunday 24th of April 2022.
For the first time in three years, there will be a full 17 round season for the Digicel Cup this year and the PNG NRL Competition (PNGNRLC) in partnership with PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and their sponsors Digicel PNG and SP Brewery are looking forward to delivering a much bigger and better Digicel Cup competition.
PNGNRLC Manager Mr Ora Gairo said all franchise clubs have completed most of the requirements and are set for this weekend’s kickoff with games to be staged in Port Moresby, Lae and the Highlands region.
Mr Gairo also mentioned that an approval certificate has been received from the PNG Sports Federation Pandemic Management Committee granting 50% approval at the moment by the Pandemic Controller for the games to commence this weekend.
“We are continuously working with all parties concerned to ensure that all compliance and everything that is required by the Pandemic Management Committee is adhered to at all times,” Mr Gairo said.
Mr Gairo said it will also be a critical year for the Digicel Cup seeing that the competition will be managed around Covid19 and most importantly around the 2022 National General Elections and so allowances have been factored into the overall season outline to cater for these, especially during the election period.
He further stated that with the likely possibility of polling dates being delayed a little further, the PNGNRLC and PNGRFL are on standby to make the necessary adjustments in order to allow for players and team officials to be given the opportunity to cast their votes in their respective electorates.
Gairo also acknowledged the sponsors who have made it possible for the Digicel Cup Competition to once again commence for another great season of professional football.
“I would like to take this time to thank our main sponsor Digicel PNG and our platinum sponsor SP Brewery for yet again giving their support this year as well as our other key sponsors as without the support of our sponsors, we would not have a competition to launch.”
“With our theme for this year being ‘Taking the Game Higher’, I would also like to take this time to invite or welcome any form of support from corporate houses to support the game where they see fit as there are still a few minor areas where support is needed,” Mr Gairo said.
Ronan Wilcox of Digicel PNG who was present for the soft launch said that Digicel PNG is delighted to be the main sponsor of the competition and further mention that the organization takes pride in a 12-year history as being the naming rights sponsor of the Digicel Cup Competition.
“We are absolutely delighted to continue our support and we look forward to another great season of rugby league and are excited to see which teams are going to progress through to the grand final this year and we wish all the 12 franchises the best for the season ahead,” Mr Wilcox said.