Eagles skipper handed 10-week suspension for contrary conduct

Mt Hagen Eagles captain Levai Andrew will spend a lengthy period on the sideline after being charged with two separate Grade 3 contrary conduct charges.

Andrew is facing up to ten weeks on the sideline with the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition also taking immediate action to suspend referee Bonny Bin from officiating in round 5 of Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. 

PNGNRLC has admitted Bin was incorrect in changing his decision late in the round 4 match between the Hagen Eagles and Central Dabaris in Minj.

The referee originally sent Andrew into sin bin for swearing at him but the skipper refused to leave the field, shelving the match for about two-minutes.

Bin, then decided to place the player on report and continue the game with Andrew remaining on the field despite his decision, with the match ending in an 18-all draw.

PNGNRLC general manager of pathways and performance Tony Archer disclosed the error, stating his disappointment in the way the situation was handled.

“As with all matches in the competition, we conduct a full review of the game. It is disappointing that this incident occurred in the match,” Archer said.

“The actions of the referee, the player, and some officials involved were not what is expected in the game.

“Respecting the decision of a match referee and the correct application of the rules of the game from a referee are essential.

“We are driving hard in improving the professionalism of our game and to have this incident occur is unfortunate and not to the standards we require.”

Archer added, “I know how hard the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match officials’ squad are working and from what I have seen in the first four rounds, their performances are getting better each week.

“They also know they need to be accountable and responsible for their own performances. Despite being dropped I have every confidence that Bonny will go back, work hard, and force his way back.”

Further investigations into the actions of the club, their officials and game day staff are continuing.