Tigers skipper Tony thrilled to win Digicel Cup title

CAPTAIN Mark Tony was thrilled to win his third Digicel Cup title after the five-eighth led his Lae Tigers to a 16-10 win over Waghi Tumbe in Sunday’s grand final in Port Moresby.
The 25-year-old, from Hairo village in Lufa, Eastern Highlands, told The National after the game that it was a proud moment for him to captain the team in a grand final for the first time.
“I haven’t captained a team in the grand final and to do it this year is awesome,” he said.
“This is my third title in the competition.
“My first title was with Goroka Lahanis in 2018.
“I joined the Tigers the following year and won my second-straight title.
“Last year, we finished as runners-up to the Hela Wigmen and this year another title again.
“So it’s my fourth-straight grand final.”
Tony said his men were kept under pressure by a spirited Tumbe outfit throughout the game.
“When we lost a couple of our players through injury in the first half, it really put us under a lot of pressure as Tumbe fought their way back into the match,” he said.
“But we have a team culture of playing for the men next to you and we did that.
“Though we were short on the bench, my men put in the extra effort and played for each other to hold out Tumbe.”
Meanwhile, Tony said he was hopeful of a call-up for next year’s SP Hunters squad and representative duties.
“That has always been my dream,” he said.
“I’m trying my best to put in consistent performances every season.
“If the opportunity presents itself then I’ll be over the moon.”