Gurias pair join Muruks, Mioks in mid-season transfers

By PARKER TAMBUA
FORMER SP Hunter Stanley Olo and Wesley Batari have left Rabaul Gurias and joined Enga Mioks and Mendi Muruks respectively in Digicel Cup mid-season transfers, says an official.
Gurias coach Francis Ray said after his side’s 42-12 thrashing of Central Dabaris on Sunday that the duo had left the club a few weeks ago due to disciplinary issues.
Batari has featured for his former employers, Muruks, since their round-five win against Waghi Tumbe at the Lae Rugby League Oval.
Olo played at halfback in the Mioks’ loss to Port Moresby Vipers last Sunday. “We had some players who left us,” Ray said.
“Wesley has re-joined the Muruks and Stanley Olo to the Mioks.
“The Gurias have high disciplinary standards, so these players left because of that.
“But we have enough depth.
“There are a number of young players who have been waiting for an opportunity. Now that they have the chance, they have step up for us.”
In Ray’s recent team lists, he has promoted Nathan Tente from the interchange to hooker, in place of OIo.
Fringe player Mark Alunga has been moved to the utility role while veteran Ase Boas has earned the No.7 jumper alongside five-eighth Saki Peter.
Meanwhile, Ray said Papua New Guinea Kumuls winger Garry Lo had been sidelined due to an injury he had sustained in their 30-14 win over the Lae Tigers round four.
Ray said the former SP Hunter was recovering and would return soon.