The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) clarifies the referee Bonny Bin’s late decision was incorrect In the Match on Saturday between Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles and Gas resources Central Dabaris in Minj, Jiwaka.
The referee originally sent Eagles Captain Levai Andrew into the sin bin for swearing at him.
After two minutes of arguing to remain on the field, the referee decided to allow Andrew to remain playing but place him on report.
The match ended in 18points draw.
General Manager of Pathways and performance Mr. Tony Archer confessed to the mistakes today sharing that we conduct a full review of the matches in the competition, and it is disappointing that this incident occurred.
“The actions of the referee, the player, and some officials involved were not what is expected in the game.”
“Respecting the decision of a match referee and the correct application of the rules of the game from a referee is paramount.”
“We are driving hard in improving the professionalism of our game and to have this incident occur is unfortunate and not to the standards expected,” Mr. Archer said.
The PNGNRLC have taken immediate actions and stood down referee Bonny Bin from officiating round 5 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Competition.
Meanwhile, Eagles captain Levai Andrew will also be suspended for 10weeks after being charged with separate grade 3 contrary conduct charges from the match review committee.
Mr. Archer emphasized that the hardship the Digicel ExxonMobil Officials team face every week and through observations from the four rounds of matches, their performance is improving every week.
They know he need to be accountable and responsible for their performance and decision.
“I have every confidence that Bonny Bin will go back despite being dropped,” said Mr. Archer.
Further investigations into the actions of clubs, their officials and game day staff are continuing.