Bulldogs chase fourth crown

AFTER a prolonged delay, the Popondetta Rugby League A grade final between defending champions M4M Bulldogs and Medics will be on at the Kurusako Oval on Sunday.
The Bulldogs Under-20 will also be out to defend their crown for the fourth consecutive season against challengers Tumbe United.
This will be the Bulldogs’ fourth appearance in the final and they are expected to fight hard for their fourth successive premiership.
The Medics take the underdogs tag into this contest but by no means should they be discounted.
Discipline is the key factor here, with the side able to execute its game plan better expected to come out on top.
Bulldogs captain Farapo Makura leads a capable outfit, with the likes of Manson Gawor, George Bungewa, Theo Igorobae, Patrick Teek, James Surute and former Goroka Lahanis and Gulf Isapea player Richard Hoffman, as well as rising star Genesis Oresi, all primed for a big effort.
The Medics, with captain Michael Taul and brother David, lead a gritty pack that would not shy away from the grind and niggle expected in the middle third of the field.
Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi said the eventual premiers faced an uphill to get ready for the Southern Club Championships, which would start next week.