Coach Ray still awaits formal notice of termination from Eagles management

The head coach of the 2024 Exxon Mobil Digicel Cup winner the Mt Hagen Eagles Francis Ray has confirmed with this newsroom his termination.

However, Ray said he is yet to receive a formal notice of his termination from the Eagles board as he was only served the termination via a WhatsApp message from the Board Chairman of Mt Hagen Eagles Bob Pakindi.

The premiership winning coach said he is now seeking legal advice on the allegations made against him and that he will release a formal media release next week.

Mr. Ray also stressed that the allegations made against him in the letter that went viral on social media are only to tarnish his reputation that he has built over the years, and he would come out publicly in rebut to this.

"I accept the allegations but as you know these just allegations against to tarnish my reputation as a coach, but I accept everything and only waiting for board to make formal announcement.

"I am not guilty of any allegations yet," Ray said.

Meanwhile according to the letter issued by hte club management, several allegations outlines.

The letter states, "Your behavior both off and on the field has demonstrated lack of discipline to the code and spirit of rugby league and cost massive amounts of money include K200,000 from the club used to fix hire car, K20,000 given by Tambul Nebilyer MP Win Daki being misused, and others.

"Therefore, your behavior has drawn lack of confidence in our team and prompted conflict of interest towards our franchise team and Western Highlands Rugby League environment at large."

Meantime, the fans and supporters of the Mt. Hagen Eagle right around the country continue to express their frustrations the social media for club to reconsider its and reinstate Coach Ray.

Supporters expressed that Head Coach Ray has restored the pride of Western Highlands after 26 years of drought and he deserves better recognition instead of a termination.