Bulk of players stay loyal to Lahanis

REIGNING champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis have retained most of their players for the 2012 Digicel Cup season despite losing a few of their key players through retirement and official releases.
There are fresh and untapped talent plucked from the Simon Sia off-season challenge to fill the vacancies.
Interestingly, the Eastern Highlands Schoolboys rugby league side that shockingly won the inaugural final has contributed 11 players to the Lahanis training squad.
However, while credit goes to these promising players, study commitments, the distance and travelling time to and from training venues may force some of them to withdraw.
Malum Philip (Aiyura National High School) and Titus Jossy (Kainantu Secondary School) have been impressive but may be forced to pull out or choose between rugby league and their education.
Former PNG Pukpuk Yaisuo Giheno has also pulled out due to work commitment, although the solidly built Chimbu and Eastern Highlands parentage was expected to beef up the Lahanis forward pack.
Other school boys such as Nathan Milli and Charlie Oliver from Mesauka Secondary and Sonny Bill, Muabe Kuipa, Felix Tatsim and Parkson George (Goroka Secondary), Janis Aitopo and Peter Silika (Asaroka Lutheran Secondary) and Robin Ubio Soga from Kamaliki Vocational Centre are expected to adapt to senior level football.
Gulf Isapeas utility and son of former Kumul Lesslie Hoffman, Richard Hoffman’s selection is also a boost to the Lahanis.
The Lahanis have retained skipper Glen Nami, Adex Wera, Thompson Teteh, Joseph Peter, Spirrow Mikaive, Casey Frank, Gonzella Urakusie, Wesley Mohokule, Elvis Dick, Kingsley Jaggie, Yappa Kapu, Noel Zeming, Micah Soboni, Nicko Ubile, George Abba and Minaho Goso.
Barnstorming forward Damien Bage’s inclusion along with Jerry Akepa should further boost the Lahanis.
The rest of the players are Solomon Joseph, Aimon Ian, Supa Kokote, Selot Kaino, Cedric Singip, Mastako Lusaro, Sam Tute, Danny Hole, Jaissy Joe, Abraham Guri, Kiki Aupe, Toto Avefa, Alex Lehuse, Pisen Esave, Arnold Tiveluvite, Tove John, David Ali, Parkinson Goage and Diru Oreke.
A final 22-man squad will be named based on training and their performance during the trials over two months.