By GABRIEL KATUHO
The PNGRFL Judiciary have suspended nine players from Mendi Muruks and Goroka Lahanis for 53 weeks over an all-out brawl during their Round 13 Digicel Cup match last weekend in Lae.
The two clubs were also fined K25,000 each following the league judiciary’s 48-hour investigation into the melee at the Lae Rugby League grounds on Sunday.
PNGRFL General Manager for Pathways and Performance, Tony Archer, briefed the media on the judiciary’s decision this afternoon and highlighted several changes for both teams after their actions had breached the league’s by-laws and code of conduct.
“As of this afternoon, each of these clubs have been made aware of what we are about to do. Nine players from both teams will be facing penalties of 53 weeks in total. There will be three official breaches. The minimum suspension we are seeking on them is 12 months. One of those will be for an 18-month period as a repeat offender,” he said.
Archer emphasized that the PNGRFL did not tolerate such behaviour by players and clubs.