17 new faces to make debut for Agmark Gurias

By KEVIN TEME
SEVENTEEN new faces are among 26 players named in the Niugini Islands Agmark Rabaul Gurias squad for the Digicel Cup competition which kicks off next weekend.
Former coach and Gurias coaching director Michael Marum is returning to the scene to steer the side comprising mostly young blood selected from provinces in the New Guinea Islands region.
Marum, who led the Gurias to victory, in bemobile Cup grand final in 2009 is back as head coach.
With most of their seasoned players leaving for greener pastures Marum will be banking on consistent forward Kot Kerua and current Kumul Pidik Togap to lead the side.
The new faces are Junior Pangogo, Nelson Daplen, Eliab Pauria, Wesley Totori, Leo Tikot Jr, Lance Kuveu, Kazu Ben, Jack Markus, Sanive Wasege, Jonathan Levi, Markus Kaugla, Bobby Pau, Chris Lagisa Jr,Wartovo Puara Jr, Israel Eliab and David Misiel.
Gurias have returned the services of Kerua and Obert Ondole after suspending them on disciplinary grounds while still maintaining Sakias Kabange, Joe Bruno, Rolly Matalau, Chris Jerry, Albert Patak, Togap, Jeffery Vinevel and Boas Ruru.
Marum will be assisted by last year’s coach Oscar Tonga while former Kumul prop Lucas Solbat will be the trainer with the help of George Tobata. The team manager is Mapua Tamtu and the team doctors are Rison Holde and Dr Yap.
Marum is confident his players will maintain the form Gurias are known for since joining in the intercity competition
“We have very young players in the team from various parts of the region and I am confident we will give other teams a run for their money,” Marum said.
Marum said the players were selected during the NGIP Agmark 9s rugby league challenge and the Trukai NGIP Cup.
“We will be looking forward to the season,” he added.