Culligan praises Moide

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen captain Valentine Culligan has praised front-row partner Tommy Moide for giving the reigning Digicel Cup champions more than enough go-forward as they look to continue their perfect start.
The Kroton-sponsored side are yet to drop points this season, having beaten Goroka Lahanis (24-4), Mt Hagen Eagles (11-10), Gulf Isou (22-8), Central Dabaris (36-4) and Rabaul Gurias (22-6).
The only side who have provided any real competition to coach Charlie Wabo’s men are the Eagles, who have been on an upward trajectory – winning all their matches since their round-two golden-point loss.
But by the end of this weekend, one team may remain the only unbeaten side after six rounds, with the Wigmen facing fellow perfect starters and title contenders Lae Tigers in the Morobe capital on Sunday (3.10pm kick-off).
However, University of Papua New Guinea student Culligan isn’t too worried about the Tigers, who have an equally-impressive pack, instead opting to back his forwards and heap praise on Moide in particular.
“Having someone like Moide is a huge bonus for any side,” Culligan told The National last week.
“With his size and power, he has made a big impact in the way we play, especially through the middle.
“He is pretty agile for someone his size. He also has a good motor.
“I’m proud of him and hopefully he continues that form for the remainder of the season and beyond.”
Moide was part of the SP Hunters’ pre-season squad, but he failed make coach Matthew Church’s final cut for the 2021 Queensland Intrust Super Cup campaign.
Former SP Hunters pre-season squad member Culligan also had nothing but praise for workaholic forwards Daniel Pai and Jordan Steven.
“We have put in a lot of effort in our middle forwards to set the platform for our backs and I’m thrilled the results so far,” he said.
Culligan said his forwards had responded well to the new rules which had increased the speed of the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“Obviously, Moide and Pai are big men, but I’m really happy with how they are adapting to the changes in the game,” he said.
“The new rules suit them. For them to play at a frantic pace, is just wonderful and it’s good to have them.”