Funeral Home to defend title

By JACK AMI
FUNERAL Home will be aiming to retain their title when they face underdogs Goodman Fielder International (GFI) in the Sportz Events Corporate Rugby League Nines grand final at Bava Park on Sunday.
Boasting one of the best attacks in the competition, the Peter Popal-coached Funeral Home will be led by former Digicel Cup players along with a few newcomers.
GFI will be buzzing with confidence after upsetting minor premiers Spidertek to end their unbeaten run with a 4-0 win last week. Funeral Home eased past PNG Power Limited with a 16-6 victory.
Popal, backed by trainers Bland Abavu and Jojo Forova, will be relying on experienced hands in Gillespie David, Lawrence Kuso, Francis Aihi, Wabo Sanny, Hapeo Bobogi, Douglas Pkriika, Davidson Siono and Obert Muri to get them home.
“Our main focus during the week was on defence and nothing else, knowing that our attack is not a problem at all,” Popal told The National.
GFI head coach Joel Rambi said: “We have nothing to lose going into this one but we’ll give our best shot and see what the outcome is.
“We have Terry Kaupa, Junior Bakuwai, Wanipu Chris, Maia John, Philip Singoina, Desmond Korpok and Heni Billy to stop Funeral Home from making their way into our red zone.
“They are the champions but we will go out there and give ourselves a chance.
“Hopefully, we can pull off another upset if we stick to the game plan throughout the match.”
In the other matches, Avenell Engineering Services face PX Falcons (pennant final), Westfume meet PricewaterhouseCoopers (bowl) and Spidertek take on PNG Power Blue (plate).