Gurias agree to play Digicel Cup final in Lae

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Digicel Cup 2014 Grand Final will now be played in Lae. The fate of the Grand Final 2014 and future of the largest domestic Rugby League Competition was in Limbo last week when franchise Hela Wigmen decided not to travel to Kokopo to play the Grand Final as per the decision of PNGNRL Board.

PNGNRL spent endless hours in meetings to resolve this issue and to minimize the long-term impact of this incidence on the future of the competition.

“I thank the Chairman of Agmark Rabaul Gurias Mr John Nightingale who flew to Port Moresby on two hours notice and also the Minister for Finance Honoruable James Marape and Governor for Hela Province Honourable Anderson Agiru who were available last week to help us resolve this issue. Hela leadership has assured to provide all the support incase the game is moved to Lae.”

On the basis of the playing guidelines as agreed by all the franchises including Hela Wigmen, the Gurias would have won on the basis of forfeit.

I therefore salute Mr John Nightingale and the management of Gurias who refused to forfeit the game and agreed to play the Grand Final in Lae. I am aware how hard it would be for them to convince their supporters and sponsors back in Kokopo.

Gurias decided to put the interest of the naming rights sponsors of the competition, Digicel as well as support sponsor SP Brewery and the future of rugby league in PNG and most importantly, the interest of the players of both sides first with this decision. For some of these players, this will be the biggest game of their lives.

On behalf of Gurias, Mr John Nightingale has shown exceptional leadership, courage & commitment to Rugby League in PNG. I am privileged to Chair the Board with people like John.

Hela Wigmen players have shown exceptional ability to play rugby against all odds. I am aware that there will be a big crowd of supporters who will come to support them on the day. I will request them to enjoy the game and showcase the Hela spirit.

The champions of the Digicel Cup 2014 Season will be decided right after the match this Sunday, August 31st, 2014. The match will be hosted at the Lae League Rugby Oval.