Moresby Rangers set for Ipatas Cup
By HENRY MORABANG
THE new Port Moresby-based SP Cup franchise, Port Moresby Rangers will use this weekend’s Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup rugby league challenge in Wabag, Enga province, to gauge the performance of its players.
According to CCIC executive officer Timothy Lepa, Rangers and Ialibu Storms are the latest two teams to sign up to take part in the Easter weekend-long rugby league tournament which bring the total number of participating teams to 24.
With the inclusion of Rangers, the Port Moresby team will start as outright favourite to take the title apart from Goroka United and Morobe Tambuaks.
Rangers will be led by Stanley Tepend, Luke Kolalio, Simon Tonge and Roy Tela
Not ruling out former champions Mendi Menjals, Lepa is confident that Rangers will grab the Ipatas Cup because they have recruited big name players from two defunct Port Moresby franchise teams - Wari Vele Bulldogs and Brian Bell Raiders.
He said Morobe Tambuaks will have the heaviest forwards which include Dusty Mockley, Leo Kondai, Joe Titus and Kiap Koke. The former Agmark Guria forward Mockley was playing second fiddle with LBC Bombers camp would like to resurrect his football career by vying for a spot in Mioks team.
Lepa said the merchandising and marketing personnel of the sponsoring organization are currently in Enga preparing for the major off-season event.
He said many of the teams taking part will travel today and tomorrow to Wabag with the official opening at 3pm on Good Friday at Johnson Siki Oval. The local organising committee has cancelled all the games at Porgera for safety reasons.
Two teams Ialibu Storms and Tari Warriors are already in Wabag for the tournament.
Patron and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas is currently in Wabag to welcome teams to his province.
Governor Ipatas said he has decided to start this competition to provide alternate competition for the grassroots club and teams to have the chance to expose their hidden talent.
The winner of the competition, according to Lepa, will walk away with K20,000 while K10,000 goes to the runner up and the third place-getter collect K5,000.
Governor Ipatas thanked the Cup sponsor for their partnership in sponsoring the rugby league challenge.
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