The PNG National Rugby League Competition has awarded one competition point each to Lae Snax Tigers and WAMP NGA Mt. Hagen Eagles after their Round 17 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match was abandoned because of crowd disturbances.
The match at Lae League Oval was stopped in the 50th minute of the second half with the Tigers leading 12-6 and 30 minutes remaining.
The PNGNRLC in a statement this morning said the decision followed a review of the circumstances surrounding the non-completion of the match, including spectator behaviour and safety concerns involving players, match officials and team personnel.
The competition also confirmed that the Round 18 match between the Tigers and Dabaris, scheduled to be played in Lae, will instead be moved to Port Moresby.
No Digicel ExxonMobil Cup matches will be played in Lae in Round 18.
The PNGNRLC said the review was conducted under its competition procedures and considered the sequence of events, safety requirements and the responsibility of venues to provide a secure environment for matches.
It found that both clubs, team officials, game-day staff and the match referee, in consultation with PNGNRLC, made genuine efforts to calm the situation and restart the match.
However, play could not safely resume.
PNGNRLC Chief Operating Officer Tony Archer said player, official, team personnel and spectator safety remained the priority.
“The safety of players, match officials, team personnel and supporters must always come first,” Archer said.
He acknowledged the efforts of both clubs, their players, game-day staff and match officials to control the situation and continue the match.
Archer said the decision was not taken lightly, particularly because Lae Rugby League had successfully hosted matches for many years and had recently hosted a successful Super Round in Round 16.
The PNGNRLC will work with Lae Rugby League and other stakeholders to ensure the venue is able to host matches again next year.
The Board said it considered all circumstances, including the time remaining in the Round 17 match, before determining that awarding one point to each team was the most appropriate outcome.