Rugby League: Northern Zone Demands K10,000 if Southern Zone Cancels Match

A financial dispute looms over the Southern Zone Rugby League, with Northern Zone president John Numapo threatening to bill them K10,000 if a scheduled match in Lae on Sunday fails to proceed. Numapo expressed strong disappointment with Southern Zone's reported doubts about traveling to play. Numapo's frustration stems from Port Moresby clubs' unwillingness to release players for representative duties, which he argues is jeopardizing the Northern Zone's financial stability. He insists the game must go ahead as scheduled, emphasizing that the Zone championships are sanctioned by the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and must be completed. Northern Zone claims to have incurred expenses close to K10,000 and has not generated any revenue from gate takings, unlike the other three zones. The PNGRFL requires each zone to pay K5000 upfront for airfares for away games, with zones responsible for all internal expenses like accommodation and meals. Gate takings from home games are intended to cover these costs. This upcoming match against Southern Zone in Lae was crucial for Northern Zone to recoup its expenses. The game was originally postponed from July 19 due to heavy rain in Lae. Numapo stated that if Southern Zone refuses to play, they should be fined by the PNGRFL and ordered to reimburse Northern Zone for all incurred expenses. He also criticized the idea that Port Moresby clubs should dictate terms to Southern Zone, calling the excuses for player unavailability "not good enough."

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I’m bitterly disappointed at the news article today in which Southern Zone expressed doubts about coming over to play Northern Zone.