Franchise boss says Tarum is still coach

PORT Moresby Vipers say Leonard Tarum is still the head coach of the Digicel Cup team and a recent reshuffle in the coaching roles was only temporary.
Franchise manager Ronnie Titie Jr told The National last week that the board had made a decision for assistant coach Joe Sipa to oversee the team for rounds six, seven and eight.
He said the decision came after the Moni Plus-sponsored side recorded two-straight losses and a draw before they bagged their third win of the season against Goroka Lahanis in round six.
Former Kumul Sipa took charge of the team against the Bintangor-sponsored Lahanis.
“It’s only a temporary change, Tarum takes the back stage and Sipa will oversee the team for a few weeks,” Titie said.
“The board and the sponsors had a meeting after we struggled to win a game for about three rounds.
“They thought that it was in the best interest of the team that a reshuffle be done.
“But there’s no sacking or appointment. Tarum still remains the head coach and Joe is the assistant.
“Both men have been in the assistant and head coaching roles at different times, so it’s nothing new.”
Titie said the board would have another meeting after three rounds to decide on what to do next.
Meanwhile, he said the convincing win over the Lahanis was a positive sign for the team in the country’s premier rugby league competition.