NINE PLAYERS CHARGED BY PNGNRLC

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has taken strong and decisive action against PRK Mendi Muruks and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis for their involvement in an all-in brawl that occurred in the Round 13 of Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match, in Lae, on Sunday.

The PNGNRLC match review committee has charged 9 Players totalling 53 weeks in suspension from
the match. Additionally, 3 officials from both clubs have been breached under the Code of Conduct
and suspended for between 12 and 18 months for their involvement in the incident.

Separately PRK Mendi Muruks and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis have been fined a total K50,000.
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 between the players and a number of punches were exchanged between players.

The Match Review Committee then noted that club officials left the bench area and became involved in the incident with the players.

The nine players include five PRK Mendi Muruks players Junior Thomas, Robert Gigmai Jr, Richard
Mautu, Levai Andrew and Finely Peter. The other four players from Bintangor Goroka Lahanis
include Ishmael Peter, Jero Kunda , Nelson Opri and Sipa Kaupa have all been charged.

The three club officials include PRK Mendi Muruks Trainer Francis Moya, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis
Physio Therapist Willfred Kimagl and Assistance Coach Niko Upilee have all been breached.
Both clubs have been fined K25,000 each and will be given 7 days to respond to the breaches.

PNG NRLC has a zero tolerance towards violence on the field and those that behaviour in a way that
occurred on Sunday will be heavily sanctioned. This a strong reminder to all Clubs that foul play and
behaviour of this type is not acceptable. PNG NRLC is focused on improving the standards of the
game to ensure it improve and grows.