Dabaris appoint Orchids coach for next season

By JACK AMI
DIGICEL Cup franchise Central Dabari have appointed test-winning Papua New Guinea Orchids (national women’s rugby league team) head coach Bagelo Solien for next season, according a club official.
Head coach Chris Enara, who will now take up his new role as club coaching director, confirmed the Dabari board’s appointment. Enara’s new role will allow him to attend to his work commitments.
Enara, from Aroma, Central, told The National yesterday that he would oversee the progress of the club from next season as they look to promote new talent from the province.
Solien, from Gabagaba, Central, said had he plans to develop rural talent for the Digicel Cup.
The 37-year-old, who coached Southern Blacks in the Moresby South Rugby League competition, will be assisted by Norris Selu and Gimapau Keimelo as they look to improve on their debut season.
Solien also coached the Southern Confederate representative team and national nines side at the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, in July. PNG won silver.
Solien led the Orchids to their first test win over England in their 20-16 triumph at the National Football Stadium last month.
He said a 50-man squad had begun training last week. “This will be trimmed to 30 players in January,” Solien said.
“Training has been good so far. We don’t want to give high hopes to the training squad and later omit them from the squad.”
He thanked the Dabari board, Orchids, Papua New Guinea Rugby Football and Moresby South Rugby League for their support.