PNGNRLC LABEL RECENT CROWD VIOLENCE AS “MINOR INCIDENT,” SET FOCUS ON COMPLETING SEASON 2026
By CHARLIE DUMAVI
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League competition administration is focusing on the positives to complete this season despite spectator violence experienced across several game venues this year.
PNG Rugby Football League General Manager of Pathways and Performance, Tony Archer said what happened is a “minor incident” and is under police investigation.
He said this in response to this news room’s enquiry about the recent crowd violence, where a couple of Rabaul Gurias fans were violated and abused at the Santos National Football Stadium by some disgruntled Mt Hagen Eagles spectators.
“We don’t want to be overshadowed by a couple of minor incidents over the weekend,” Archer said.
“Although its serious and we take them very seriously. Police took action and the matter is before the court.”
The incident in Port Moresby follows several incidents of crowd violence that occurred in other competition venues across the country including the National Sports Institute in Goroka, Lae rugby League oval and the Jonah Amban oval in Jiwaka.
This newsroom also enquired about the safety of female spectators and young children who always pay to watch the games and the competition management’s plans to provide a safer place for all spectators.
“We want to make sure that everyone has the right environment,” Archer stated.
“We encourage families to come and I think somethings to focus on are the number of families that were here at the weekend. We’ll have additional security; additional police and we encourage families to come and be part of the game.
Our game is about community. Our game is about everyone coming together and being really respectful. We’ll have adequate security and police this weekend and we will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.”
He said any antisocial behavior will not be tolerated.
“If any behavior is antisocial, we’ll have these people removed from the ground and if its criminal, we’ll have the police arrest these people.” Archer added.
He further stated that the issues faced outside of Port Moresby earlier in the regular rounds were also addressed.
“There were different types of incidents and we delt with everything that occurred. Those areas that had incidents, we addressed it and for some of the areas they did not host games again for the season and that obviously had an impact on the clubs and impact on the supporter base,” he said.
