Enemies: Mount Hagen Eagles Vs Rabaul Gurias

Papua New Guinea's sports minister says the "regionalism" of the country's rugby league fans needs to be addressed to prevent more ugly brawls at matches.

On Sunday immediately after the semi-final win by the Rabaul Gurias over the Mount Hagen Eagles, an Eagles officials repeatedly punched one of the referees.

Video of the incident shows scores of Eagles fans then running onto the field and throwing chairs at Gurias players as they fled into the stands.

Local reports say police intend to charge the Eagles official, identified as Stanley Akinu, with assault.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko says he wants Akinu banned for life, and the Eagles suspended from the national competition.