By CHARLIE DUMAVI
NATIONAL Capital District (NCD) Governor and Vipers rugby league club patron Mr. Powes Pakop has challenged all Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) franchises to look after their players’ welfare.
Governor Pakop made this call during the launching of PNGNRLC Digicel ExxonMobil sponsored season 2023 last week in Port Moresby.
He said rugby league is like the heartbeat of the people because it brings people together, and that is why government continues to support the code.
He added that franchise manager and the tournament managers must now look at players’ welfare seriously.
“I want to challenge all the franchise owners, patrons and managements, let’s put all our effort and energies to take care of the players, get sponsors for them and let’s be more competitive,” Governor Pakop said.
“We have to look after the game. More importantly we have to look after the players. It’s more than just a game, it’s a business and we got to run it like a business.
“We can’t compromise and run it may be like after-hours activity and so on. We have to be professional as there’s no other way around it.”
He said Kumuls and Hunters can be better when change starts in PNGNRLC and that will happen when PNGNRLC management work in collaboration with franchise club, which is already captured in the recently launched strategic plan 2023-2027.
Governor Pakop added that Vipers rugby league club has over about 15 sponsors on board and that shows how serious the franchise is in taking care of their players.
He said the club is also taking a huge step into biding to take part in the Australia News South Wales cup and that is the pathway the club is looking at in the near future.
Furthermore, he also extended his support to work with PNGNRLC to kick start the semi-pro women’s rugby competition in the country.
