Dabaris’ test of character

THE Fortuna Fresh Central Dabaris will look to put a tumultuous week behind them when they take on the Hela Wigmen in their Round 7 Digicel Cup match at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
The Dabaris faced an uncertain future when major sponsor Vikki Mosin threatened to pull support from the franchise two weeks ago because of a lack of accountability in the management of the new club, but changed her mind last Friday calling instead for the removal of the board headed by chairman Keith Iduhu.
Mosin’s call was also supported by the players, however a meeting orgainsed by the body responsible for the Digicel Cup, the PNG National Rugby League Competition, to resolve the issues advised both sides to address their problems in an amicable manner that would be beneficial and equitable to all stakeholders: players, coaching staff, sponsor, board and fans.
With this as the backdrop, the Dabaris who started the 2019 season in impressive fashion with wins over the Kimbe Cutters, Enga Mioks and defending champions Goroka Lahanis, were beaten 24-10 by the Waghi Tumbe in a lackluster display and sit fifth on the ladder after being as high as third.
The game which kicks off at 12.45pm will be the first of a triple header with the Intrust Super Cup game between the SP PNG Hunters and Wynnum Manly to follow at 3pm and the third fixture of the day the Gulf Isou-Mendi Muruks clash at 5pm.
The Dabaris face a Wigmen outfit who have not looked convincing over the first six rounds but who have quality performers in centre Stanford Talita, back-rower Julius Yakopa and halfback Jerry Teme.
Coach Chris Enara and the Central men will have to put a difficult seven days behind them and work to snare their fourth win of the season. Fixtures: Rd 7 – Sun, May 19: Gurias v Mioks, Tigers v Lahanis, Eagles v Vipers, Wigmen v Dabaris, Isou v Muruks, Tumbe v Cutters.
Standings: Gurias 12 (+152), Tigers 12 (+124), Tumbe 11 (+37), Vipers 6 (-21), Dabaris 6 (-24), Isou 6 (-46), Lahanis 5 (+34), Eagles 5 (-74), Muruks 4 (-24), Mioks 3 (+12), Wigmen 2 (-32), Cutters 0 (-138).