Eagles eyeing better season

Hagen side look to improve on fifth-placed Digicel Cup finish

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Wamp Nga-sponsored Mt Hagen Eagles are eager to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish in their upcoming Digicel Cup campaign, says team manager Micah Pia.
The side made the top-six playoffs last season but the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis knocked them out with a 22-4 victory in week one of the finals.
Former Eagle Pia said they would rely on raw talents this year after the side had lost 13 players from last season to other Digicel Cup franchises.
He said they had named a 26-man squad from 46 players who took part in two trial matches against the Lahanis at the National Sports Institute in Goroka prior to the State of Emergency in March.
“I am pleased with the squad because it’s is a whole new one with players coming from all over Western Highlands,” Pia said.
“Most of the players are from Mt Hagen.
“We hosted a tournament in December with teams from all the districts in the province taking part.
“We selected 100 players from the tournament and trimmed the number to 46 before we named the final 26 after the trial matches.
“The squad lack experience but I’m confident that we will have an improved campaign this season.
“We lost seven players to Mendi Muruks, four to Lae Tigers and two to Enga Mioks.
“But it is good because it has created space for new talents to play in the Digicel Cup.”
Pia said former Hunters forward Henry Wan was one of the few experienced players who would boost the side’s campaign.
He said the club were also in contact with a few SP Hunters players who had shown interest to join them. Billy Gau is the Eagles coach.