The 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Clash is back again.
Today the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) General Manager Mr. Leith Isaac was pleased to announce the 12 teams confirmed to participate in the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.
“Through an audit initiative to consume the full structure and capabilities of franchises.”
“Its data is used through respected coordination to be shared within the registered clubs for understanding and improvement.”
“We hold Club Professionalism as key pillar through the NRLC Strategic Plan.”
The Waghi Tumbe for this season and four other bidding franchises clubs relayed their expressions of interest.
The Sepik pride was among the excluded in 2023 confirming only 11 teams and Waghi Tumbe to return in 2024.
The NRLC confirmed participating teams are;
Kroton Hela Wigmen
Agmark Rabaul Gurias
PRK Mendi Muruks
Lae Snax Tiger
PRK Gulf Isou
Gas Resource Central Dabaris
WNBPG Kimbe Cutters
Bintagor Goroka Lahanis
EPG Enga Mioks
Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles
NCDC- Moni Plus Vipers
JPG Waghi Tumbe
“We mindfully and process carefully the expression of interest of all teams as a professional committee should to determine our decision especially to franchise clubs being given the opportunity to proceed to express interest such as Waghi Tumbe.”
Simbu Warriors and Morobe Kandes were granted provisional Licenses and approved to participate in 2025 after the PNGRLF Board assessed their bid application has fulfill the requirements.
The Board will ensure the full criteria is satisfied before mid-2024 for the upcoming clubs.
PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina expressed gratitude to Chairman Adrian for creating systems to improve the game and congratulating him in exercising professionalism within the management.
“We have planned on this outcome of franchise clubs engaging each other at a professional level, and also to their affiliates.”
“And to the 12 successful Teams for 2024 season; congratulations to you all the best to your preparations.”
The unfortunate franchise clubs who were not eligible, still have the opportunity to participate in the next 2025 Season, much work is yet to be done to qualify themselves for the bid application.