MVIL CEO Mr Michael Makap (second left) and PNGRFL CEO Mr Stanley Hondina shaking hands and showing the signed agreement, flanked by referees Mr Bonny Bin and Mr Leonard Alphonse.

Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) today renewed its commitment to Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to continue investing in its referees.

The total sponsorship package for this year is K500,000.00, giving MVIL the ‘Naming Rights Sponsor’ for the referees of the national rugby league competition. 

This will cover match officials for the provincial championships, confederate championships, national championships, school championships and affiliates competitions (20 plus associations). Basically, all PNGRFL tournaments.   

During the announcement and signing of the agreement with PNGRFL at the MVIL Head Office in Port Moresby, MVIL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Michael Makap said: “We are pleased to enter into this agreement to empower referees to officiate in confidence and without fear or favour, and also in capacity building through training and accreditation. This is very important considering the changes taking place to modernize the code.”

He stressed that the match officials are the authority that should be accorded the highest respect in order for both the players and fans to enjoy the game. This is because of the role they play to ensure the rules are adhered to and arbitrate on matters arising during matches. 

Thus, anticipating that this commitment assists in lifting the performance of the match officials professionally and contribute to the development of the game and players at all levels in the country according to the PNGRFL’s Strategic Plan.

The match officials’ uniforms will carry MVIL’s branding and messages to assure vehicle owners and road-users the company’s commitment of service to them through providing Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance for vehicle owners and compensation to claimants for death or injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents.

MVIL has supported PNGRFL since 2019 as the ‘Naming Rights Sponsor’ of the Digicel Cup Referees and again in 2020, 2021 and 2023.