Update:
The Mackay Cutters are reportedly looking to send a team to Papua New Guinea this weekend, after originally deciding not to participate in the QRL match against the Hunters.
It appears the Prime Minister has stepped in to assure the team’s safety in Port Moresby, where travel warnings have been in place since July 27, due to civil unrest during an election period.
The club has released a statement on Facebook, stating the welfare and safety of players and staff has always been its number one priority.
“The Mackay Cutters Rugby League Board are pleased with the personal guarantee by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Defence Force.
“We look forward to continuing discussions with the QRL regarding this weekend’s fixtures.”
It comes after the club was issued with a notice of intention from the QRL, to terminate its Participation Agreement over the refusal to travel.
Earlier:
The Mackay Cutters have been ordered to prove why the club should be allowed to compete in the QRL competition.
Queensland Rugby League has issued a statement, after sending the club a notice of intention to terminate its Participation Agreement.
It comes after the Mackay Cutters advised they would not provide a team to play in the final round of the Hostplus Cup season.
“The Cutters were this weekend drawn to play the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby after the QRL Board approved the Hunters’ request to return home and play their first match in Papua New Guinea since 2019,” the statement reads.
“The QRL Board completed an extensive independent risk assessment prior to giving approval for the game to proceed.”
“The QRL said today the Cutters’ decision to not travel to Port Moresby was considered a breach of the Participation Agreement.”
“If the Cutters are unable to remedy the breach of the Participation Agreement, they will be suspended from all QRL statewide competitions as their current Participation Agreement will be terminated.”
“The Cutters have been requested to respond to the allegation and will be required to show cause as to why the club should continue their involvement in QRL statewide competitions in 2023.”
