Dabaris help usher in new style

THE opening, free-flowing style of the Fortuna Fresh Central Dabaris has impressed Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, pictured.
Tsaka, who watched the new franchise go down 26-24 to the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles in Port Moresby on Sunday, said the Papuan side was a breath of fresh air to the semi-professional competition.
Dabaris, who are sixth on the ladder, have scored as many points (58 points) as competition leaders Agmark Gurias, proving they could shake up the competition in terms of how sides approach them.
Tsaka said Dabaris displayed a brand of attacking football and willingness to play what was in front of them rather than a predictable style that was par for course with most clubs.
He was also impressed with the side’s disciplined, clean football.
“Papuans love their rugby league and play it in the true spirit of the game,” Tsaka said.
“This is the style of football I want to see more of and not the usual hard running and big collisions.
“I want to see skills on display in passing, running and kicking, smart football.”
Tsaka said teams like Dabaris and Gurias played a balanced type of football that emphasised open and creative football and it would be interesting to see if they affected change across the competition over time as teams looked to match them.“Their game is closer to how its played in Australia where it’s not just about brute strength and physicality but skill and tactics.”
He was also impressed with the Gulf Isou who were undefeated after two rounds.
Tsaka commended the Eagles saying they had played well against Dabaris and showed they could play that way if they wanted to and not revert to the usual grinding style.