PNG National Rugby League Competition has taken strong and decisive action against PRK Mendi Muruks and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis for their involvement in an all-in brawl during their Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 13 match in Lae last Sunday.
The PNGNRLC match review committee has charged 9 players totaling 53 weeks in suspension from the match. Three officials from both clubs were also suspended for 12 to 18 months for their involvement in the incident.
Both were fined a total K50,000 and given seven days to respond to the charges.
The match review committee found that 20 minutes into the second half of the match, Levai Andrew was high tackled by Jero Kunda, in which a penalty was awarded before a scuffle occurred with punches exchanged between players from both sides.
The committee then noted that club officials left the bench area and became involved with the players.
The suspended players include Muruks’ Junior Thomas, Robert Gigmai Jr, Richard Mautu, Levai Andrew and Finely Peter. The four Lahanis’ players are Ishmael Peter, Jero Kunda , Nelson Opri and Sipa Kaupa.
The three club officials are Muruks’ trainer Francis Moya, Lahanis’ physiotherapist Wilfred Kimagl and assistant coach Niko Upilee.
PNG NRLC said it had a zero tolerance towards violence on the field.
“This a strong reminder to all clubs that foul play and behavior of this type is not acceptable. PNG NRLC is focused on improving the standards of the game to ensure it improve and grows.”
Charge Sheets
1. Mendi No. 14, Junior Thomas, Contrary Conduct (re-enter Field) G3, Striking G2 x 2, 14 Weeks Suspension
2. Mendi No. 9, Robert Gigmai Jnr, Striking G3 Dangerous & Contact (Kicking), 9 Weeks Suspension
3. Lahanis No. 3, Ishmael Peter, Striking G 2 x 2, 8 Weeks Suspension
4. Lahanis No. 14, Jero Kunda, Careless H/T G1 Striking G1, 3 Weeks Suspension
5. Mendi No. 18, Richard Mautu, Contrary Conduct (re-enter Field) G3, Striking G2, 6 Weeks Suspension
6. Lahanis No. 12, Nelson Opri, Contrary Conduct (re-enter Field) G3, Striking G1, 5 Weeks Suspension
7. Mendi No.3, Levai Andrew, Striking G2, 3 Weeks Suspension
8. Mendi No. 2, Finley Peter, Striking G2, 3 Weeks Suspension
9. Lahaniis No. 8, Sipa Kaupa, Striking G 1, 2 Weeks Suspension
Club Officials Breach
1. PRK Mendi Muruks Trainer Francis Moya – Punched Player, 18 months Suspension (Repeat Offender)
2. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis Physio Wilfred Kimagl – Kicked a Player, 1 year Suspension
3. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis Assistant Coach Niko Upilee – Punched a Player – 1 year Suspension
Franchises Fines
1. PRK Mendi Muruks – K25,000
2. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis – K25,000