Cutters excited to be hosts

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Kimbe Cutters are excited to play their first home game of the Digicel Cup season when they host the Port Moresby Vipers at Humphreys Oval on Saturday (2pm kick-off).
Cutters manager Freddy Kumai told The National on Monday that their fans and players had waited since July to host their first home.
“We have been travelling for nine straight weeks — five weekends to Lae and four to Port Moresby,” he said of his six-placed Cutters ahead of round 10.
“It’s a relief for us and our fans.
“It’s great that we’ve been given at least one home game for the season.
“We thank Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition manager Stanley Hondina and his staff for having faith in the Cutters as hosts.
“I am confident that we’ll deliver the game successfully.
“However, despite our excitement as hosts, we are also staying focused on the match.
“The Vipers are fourth on the ladder and we are counting on home advantage to win.
“There are only two rounds left in the regular season and we’re occupying the last spot for the playoffs, so we can’t afford to lose.
“We have to win our remaining games to book a spot in the playoffs.”
Hondina said last week that Kimbe had met the competition’s Covid-19 criteria.
“I inspected the Cutters’ home venue and the conditions there, and I am satisfied,” he said.
“I don’t think there will be a problem with the Cutters hosting the match.
“But crowd control under the sport’s Banis Protocols still applies.”
Meanwhile, the Cutters match will be the Vipers’ first away fixture.