The Port Moresby Northwest Rugby League, a sanctioned competition under the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), is having a difficult time monitoring club players going through required medical checks, especially with the semi- finals coming up and everyone preparing for it.
The Port Moresby Northwest Rugby League Games Coordinator, Mr. Stallone Tanda, said they have received reports of players sustaining injuries like shoulder injuries amongst several other forms of injuries throughout the season, either from trainings or from games. However, he said although clubs implement routine medical check ups at the various health centers in the city, a good number of players tend not to get medical checks in fear of being ruled out of the games, if they are declared upfit to play.
He said this has resulted in the difficulty of the Port Moresby Northwest League Management to keep tabs on players medical conditions before the games; however, he said this should not be the case as each player must put their safety first, no matter what the situation in the game is or their club standings in the competition, as their wellbeing is important. It’s better to not sustain any life long injuries that would prevent each player from achieving their dreams in playing rugby league.
Mr. Tanda went on the urge the respective clubs in the competition to also focus on their players’ wellbeing and ensure required medical checks are being conducted.
Meantime, the knockout games this week will determine the teams to go into the semi- finals. The grand final is all set for October 13th , 2024 with matches to be played at the Koni Tigers Oval, Waigani.