Gurias eyeing stronger finish

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Rabaul Gurias are eyeing a strong finish in the upcoming Digicel Cup season despite Watson Boas, Terry Wapi, Ila Alu, Wartovo Puara Jr, Stanley Olo and Epel Kapinias joining the SP Hunters.
Part of Hunters coach Matthew Church’s 30-man squad, the six players will relocate to the Gold Coast where they will be based in Runaway Bay for the entire 2021 Queensland Intrust Super Cup season.
The Gurias won last year’s minor premiership but fell short of the grand final with a one-point loss to eventual champions Hela Wigmen.
Gurias manager Mapua Tamtu told The National yesterday that they had enough talents in East New Britain to fill the void created by the departure of their key players.
“There are a lot of talented players who are competing for spots in the Gurias,” he said.
“We will miss their experience but their departure has created an opportunity for younger talents to push for spots in the squad.
“We are confident that their replacements will step up and maintain the high standards of the Gurias.
“We have 35 players who are undergoing our train-and-trial programme since last month.
“We will trim the squad to at least 27 players.
“Between now and March, we will continue training and play some trials.”
Tamtu said Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach and former Gurias mentor Michael Marum had been involved with the Gurias during the pre-season.
He said Marum’s assistance had boosted the morale of the trialists.
“He has given the young players some tips and has shared his experiences with team,” Tamtu said.
“His input will help us throughout the season.”
Meanwhile, Tamtu said the Gurias would invite the Kimbe Cutters for a trial match at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo next month.