Chow confident Lae Tigers will retain Digicel Cup title

LAE Tigers owner Ian Chow is confident that the Digicel Cup premiers can defend their title in the upcoming season despite losing its star players to the SP Hunters.
The Lae Biscuit Company managing director told The National on Tuesday that his team had proven in their recent Melanesian Cup win in Fiji that their new talents could step up in their absence.
He said the Tigers would re-assemble and resume training only when the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the health authorities had given the green the light.
“We have lost a couple of our big guys and star players to the Hunters but I still believe in this year’s squad,” Chow said. “When we went to Fiji, we played against a very big side but we still beat them.
“It’s not just about the size, it’s about what’s in your heart and this new-look squad have proven that.
“No doubt we have a strong side who can retain the title.”
The Tigers will be without Mark Piti, Junior Rop (forwards), Charley Simon and Joe Joshua (backs) who are with the SP Hunters.