Gurias backing halves

Sports
2015 champions counting on Boas, Simbiri to shine

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Rabaul Gurias are tipping their halves combination of former Central Dabari Allan Simbiri and Papua New Guinea Kumul Watson Boas to headline their Digicel Cup campaign.
Gurias co-coach Marcus Kaugla said that following the Agmark-sponsored side’s 30-10 round-one win over the Mt Hagen Eagles at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
He commended five-eighth Simbiri for adjusting quickly to the Gurias’ style of play after a solid campaign in his debut season with the Dabaris last year.
“I think Allan and Watson have gelled well,” Kaugla said.
“Allan’s addition is a bonus for the team.
“He’s been doing well at training and I hope he can pick up more in the season and he’ll be a threat for the opposition.
“As for the Hunters players in the squad, they’ve stepped up to the occasion and have led the players well.”
Meanwhile, Eagles coach Billy Gau said his young side, led by skipper and former SP Hunters forward Henry Wan, had a lot to learn from the opening round.
“A lot of our players are rookies in the competition,” he said.
“The Gurias are a better side but we won’t give any excuses because regardless of how long you’ve been playing in the Digicel Cup, you have to step up.
“What we’ve done in our first game is a stepping stone so we’ll learn from our mistakes and look forward to our next game.
“I expected some mistakes during the game as a lot of my players are inexperienced.
“We’re now going to go back to training and work on our weaknesses.” Gau said for the Eagle’s halves combination, it was good for them to play against guys like Ase Boas and other big names.
He said through playing with them, they can experience what it takes to be a good halfback or five-eighth and handle the pressure in the game.