Back in the big smoke

By JACK AMI
THE Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby is the confirmed venue for the second week of the Digicel Cup semifinals on Sunday.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League chief executive officer Stanley Hondina said he had an agreement with the PNG Sports Foundation, the managers of the stadium, to stage the two finals fixtures at the iconic venue after they they used Lae last week.
Hondina thanked the PNGSF CEO Peter Tsamalili Jr and board chairman Graham Osborne for allowing the semi-professional competition to host their finals in one of the best fields in the nation’s capital.
He said the major semifinal between minor premiers Snax Lae Tigers and Wamp Nga Hagen Eagles would kick off at 2pm while the sudden death minor semifinal fixture between the reigning premiers Agmark Gurias and Enga Mioks would start at 4pm.
“The winner of the Tigers-Eagles clash books the first grand final spot while the loser players the winner of the Gurias-Mioks game,” Hondina said.
The preliminary final will be next week Sunday possibly at the same venue with the PNG Hunters scheduled to play their Q-Cup final round fixture against the Sunshine Coast Falcons at the National Football Stadium on Saturday, Aug 27.
The Gurias have been here before having clinched the 2015 premiership from the fourth place but face a horde of Mioks bent on making their first final since 2009 which they ironically lost to the East New Britons 24-14. In the earlier clash the big question is whether the Tigers have what it takes to make a grand final after finishing the last three regular seasons as the best side in the competition.
Broadcaster TV WAN have yet to confirm whether they will televise the matches. Admission: K20 outer stands;  K50 grand stand. Tickets sold at Stop and Shop outlets and at the gate.