Coach makes call

Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Vipers coach Leonard Tarum has challenged his younger players to step up after their experienced players were kept quiet in the 10-10 draw with the Enga Mioks on Sunday.
“We had high expectations for our experienced players but they couldn’t do much on Sunday,” he said after their round-one clash at Sir John Guise Stadium.
“They were also targeted by the opposition throughout the game, players like Ase Boas.
“That is something we need to look at.
“This is the time for our younger players to step up and rub shoulders with the experienced men and feed off them.
“I believe we will continue to face these challenges in the season, so it’s a great time for our younger players to take the lead.”
Tarum said the young players could direct play while getting support from the senior players.
He said their poor completion rate was an area his side would look to improve on going forward.
“We will definitely need to improve next week because our sponsors have high expectations of us,” he said. “We have talented players on the extended bench who did not play on Sunday.
“We will most likely use them this weekend.”
The Vipers host 2018 premiers Goroka Lahanis on Saturday (1pm kick-off) and the Mioks meet last year’s losing grand finalists Hela Wigmen at the Lae Rugby League Ground on Sunday (1pm).