MOROBE Kandes and Simbu Warriors clubs have been given provisional licence to meet the requirement to possibly join the PNG National Rugby League competition in 2025.
PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina (pictured) has announced this earlier last week.
Considering the challenges involved in hosting the 2023 season, Hondina said they could not increase the number of participating teams for season 2024, however, only Waghi Tumbe was included following the exclusion of EMK Sepik Pride.
He explained that a total of four clubs have shown their interests to join the competition and Tumbe made through.
Hondina said the other three clubs were Morobe Kandes, New Ireland Chiefs and Simbu Warriors.
“Two of them have a bid of a stronger application by meeting some of the requirements but still fall short of a few,” he said.
“The Morobe Kandes and the Simbu Warriors were the ones that came close to the cut, however, they fell short meeting few requirements that we will work closely and get them on board.”
In the meantime, Hondina said the board is giving them a provision licence in order for them to seek eligibility to participate in 2025 by ticking off all requirements.
He said the management is working on to build a quality competition for all teams to participate and not about quantity of teams in the competition.
Hondina further added that the exclusion of Sepik Pride is for the best interest of the game and they will work with the club to help them to be better and return to the competition whenever they are ready.
He explained that all 12 teams that will be competing in season 2024 have also applied and they all re-assessed by PNGNRLC board to be part of the competition until 2025.
The 2024 PNGRLC games are scheduled to kick off in April.
The season 2024 teams include: Gulf Isou, Central Dabaris, Hela Wigmen, Rabaul Gurias, MendI Muruks, Lae Tigers, Kimbe Cutters, Goroka Lahanis, Enga Mioks, Mt Hagen Eagles, NCDC Vipers and Waghi Tumbe.
