Ahead of the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup (DXMC) Cross over rounds, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition are preparing for a trouble-free competition for the next 3 rounds which will be held only in Port Moresby and in Lae.
PNG National Rugby League Committee General Manager Mr. Leith Isaac said this simply means that teams in Pool A can now challenge teams in Pool B.
This weekend will see 6 matches to be played in Round 14. The Santos NFS will host 4 games and that’s the Central Dabaris to take on Mt. Hagen Eagles, ENB Agmark Gurias Vs PRK Mendi Muruks on Saturday and the Kroton Hela Wigmen will verse WNBPG & Kimbe Cutters & Enga Mioks Vs POM Vipers on Sunday.
And over in Lae, the Goroka Lahanis to take on PRK Gulf Isou & Lae Snax Tigers to take on EMK Sepik Pride on Sunday.
Tickets are on sale as off today at all selected outlets and all prices remain the same except the grandstand area has increased from K25. 00 to K30. 00.
“We have had talks with both our Airline partners Air Nuigini and PNG Air to book all flights in advance to make sure there no disruptions before this weekend.”
Mr. Isaac said, they have had a couple of issues that they have dealt with accordingly especially in Round 8 and & Round 10 and are calling on all 12 franchise teams to have a trouble-free match for the remaining rounds in the competition.
“The board has made some decisions regarding some of the issues where we have fined 3 franchises, the Goroka Lahanis, Lae Snax Tigers and Mendi Muruks K10, 000 each accordingly for misconduct.”
To ensure the game runs smoothly on a professional level, the PNG NRLC has banned one team official from the Lae Snax Tigers for 5years, some match officials (Referees & post-match officials) have also been suspended, 1 coach for 2 matches (this week will be his last match ban).
“In doing so with some of the actions we have taken to ensure the completion is successfully played out without any further hiccups’ experienced in the other rounds, we have taken these steps to make sure the rules and regulations are maintained in the next couple of rounds.”
Meanwhile, Competition Manager Mr. Joseph Paul said, after having the coach’s workshop last week Friday, they are hoping for all 12 franchise teams to have a good relationship and to know their code of conducts.
“We have very pleased with that workshop as all team coach’s had the chance to interact and better know the codes because that’s the whole purpose of the workshop.”
“All arrangements are fixed, and we are looking forward to kick of the first round of the Cross Over Rounds this weekend.”
He is appealing again to all teams to play according to the rules and let the referees rule the calls while on field.