All quiet on the Adrian Lam front

THE reasons for the sacking of Adrian Lam will be made in due course.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League board chairman Tsandis Tsaka said the media and the rugby league community needed to be patient and understanding and the information would soon be forthcoming.
“You (media) will be advised in due time. I only ask for your understanding as we move forward to address the many issues affecting rugby league in PNG,” Tsaka said in an email response to questions on Lam’s removal and the appointment of Mal Meninga as new coach.
“I nor the board can fix all the problems with a magic wand but know that we are working hard and I have inherited an organisation and sport that has been beset by many problems.”
Attempts to contact Lam, PNGRFL chief executive officer Brad Tassell and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko to comment on the sacking have been successful.
It is understood that Tassell flew to Sydney last week to formally deliver the PNGRFL’s decision to Lam, while the Tkatchenko has taken a short break from official duties but will be back after the New Year.
Tassell has not returned to the PNGRFL office in Port Moresby since leaving last Tuesday.
Sources say the decision to remove Lam was taken after a brief meeting between Tkatchenko, the board and Meninga at the beginning of the month.
Lam, who was supposed to head the Kumuls to the 2017 World Cup, came under criticism after PNG missed out on a quarter-final berth at the World Cup in England last month. Player and staff dissension were among a string of problems linked to Lam’s tenure.