Dolphin hunt – Minoga sounds warning

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

PNG Hunters Willie Minoga dubbed the ‘Wapenemanda mac truck’ is set for another huge performance against the visiting Redcliffe Dolphins to ensure they continue their fairy-tale run in their Queensland Cup clash at the Kalabond Oval tomorrow.

It is a mouthful, and yes Minoga is also a handful whenever coach Michael Marum puts his super-sub on to provide that stimulus off the bench. 

The 23 year-old who only played two seasons in the Digicel Cup for the Lae Tigers under his mentor and former Kumul Stanley Tepend is a one man wrecking crew.

Minoga said playing at this level has taught him a lot of new things about the game and one of them is not to underestimate your opponents.

“We beat the Dolphins in the first round but I’m sure it will be tougher this time,” he said.

Minoga who played either centre or full-back while in Lae last year, said the change-up has inspired him to perform.

“Because I have little time on the field, I have to make full use of it and yes I love the contact and coming in at full throttle at the defence-line,” he added.

Minoga admitted that he has a lot to improve on especially in his defence, and gave huge raps for coach Marum and trainer Jason Tassall for pushing him and his fellow Hunters to rise to the new challenge.

“Mipela kam ya…lukluk long bikpla car tasol,” he added.   

Marum yesterday said his prodigy is improving with every match and knows the role he plays whenever he gets a call-up to action.

He said with Timothy Lomai and Dion Aiye out, he will possible look to Sebastian Pandia and Essau Siune to fill the void at this stage.

Marum said they have good depth to make up for the loss and it isn’t an issue.

“I know they (Redcliffe) are coming better prepared and we are just looking to be more stringent and disciplined in all areas to be competitive,” he added.

“Because I have little time on the field, I have to make full use of it and yes I love the contact and coming in at full throttle at the defence-line,” he added.

Minoga admitted that he has a lot to improve on especially in his defence, and gave huge raps for coach Marum and trainer Jason Tassall for pushing him and his fellow Hunters to rise to the new challenge.

“Mipela kam ya…lukluk long bikpla car tasol,” he added.   

Marum yesterday said his prodigy is improving with every match and knows the role he plays whenever he gets a call-up to action.

He said with Timothy Lomai and Dion Aiye out, he will possibly look to Sebastian Pandia and Joe Bruno to fill the void at this stage.

Marum said they have good depth to make up for the loss and it isn’t an issue.

“I know they (Redcliffe) are coming better prepared and we are just looking to be more stringent and disciplined in all areas to be competitive,” Marum said.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm on Kalabond Oval tomorrow and will be telecast live on EMTV.