Eight debutants for Hela

By JACK AMI
EIGHT players will look to make their Hela Wigmen debut in the new Digicel Cup season which kicks off on Sunday.
Wigmen chairman Andy Hetra said Gori Akuni, Justin Meketa, Ronny Nakira, Stanford Pandine and Bernard Lai were selected from the Hela leg of the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup.
He said Rodwell John, Iso Kita and Igiboi Lawrence were recruited from Port Moresby Rugby Football League club Souths, the Southern Highlands Nines and University of Papua New Guinea Pythons respectively.
“These are our very own Hela talents who have been included in the final 34-man squad to link up with our regulars players for the new season,” he said.
“These men are as good as any other player on the paddock.
“We are confident that they will perform to the best of their abilities. These players have the potential to improve in each game.
“Everyone has the potential to play at this level and are focused on playing their roles in the squad.
“We are confident that they will go out there and get the job done with the support of our leaders in co-captains Valentine Culligan and Solomon Pokari.”
Hetra said the players had undergone a thorough screening process to earn selection into the final squad.
“We played three trials matches against Gulf Isou and Port Moresby Vipers, and the rookies gave a good account of themselves,” he said.
“We are satisfied with their performances.
“We’ve retained the core of our squad from the past three to four seasons.
“We’ve had five to six months to prepare and select the best 34 players from 100-plus men.
“We’re now ready for the new season.”