Former Tigers hooker joins Enga Mioks

By MICHAEL PHILIP
FORMER Lae Snax Tigers hooker Noel Joel has made a move to Wabag to join the Enga Mioks for this year’s Digicel cup season.
This was confirmed by Mioks coach Billy Gau yesterday.
Gau told The National that the management were pleased to secure the services of the veteran rake for the 2022 season.
“His inclusion to the team is a boost for us this season,” Gau said of the Hunters inaugural squad member.
“He’s with us now and we are happy to work with him this season and believe he will be a role model to the boys in camp.”
Despite recruiting a good number of young guns this year, Joel, who played for the Tigers over nine seasons and won two premierships with the team is expected to mentor the younger players and provide crucial on-field leadership and playmaking options out of dummy half.
The 29-year-old of Southern Highlands and Chimbu was picked for the pioneer Hunters side in 2014 but a spate of injuries saw him eventually released in 2016.
Joel would be called up again to the Hunters in 2018, but saw little game time and opted to focus on the rising fortunes of the Tigers who would go on to win three premierships.
Joining an inexperienced Mioks side, Joel said was a challenge for him to guide the players and get them playing quality football.
“I am so excited to be here,” he said. “I’ve got much to work on based on expectations from the coaching staff as an experienced player.
“But in the meantime helping to groom these young talents on and off the field is number one priority.
“My advice to the boys is to do things right, be eager to learn and hungry to play.
“Be disciplined and honest with yourself are key principles.
“All this results in positive outcomes.”