Gurias start early for 2013

By ABIGAIL APINA 
DIGICEL Cup rugby league champions Agmark Gurias are making an early start to preparations to defend their title in 2013.
Head coach Michael Marum said this during the launching of the NGIP nine’s tournament on Saturday at the Kalabond oval in Kokopo, East New Britain.
Marum also announced the 2013 Gurias squad, saying he was looking forward to the nine’s tournament as a “breeding ground” for the champion club.
Marum said as part of their preparations, the Gurias would have a trial match on Feb 9 against a team selected from the nine’s tournament.
The team would then travel to Cairns, Australia, for another trial match against the Northern Pride on Feb 23 followed by a final trial in Townsville against a University side on March 2, he said.
Marum added that Kumul players in the Gurias team – Wartovo Puara Junior, Rodney Pora, Dion Aiye and Albert Patak – have also started their training for local and representative duties.
NGIP Agmark representative Wayne Dunn, who attended the nine’s tournament launching, said the company would continue to support and grow rugby league in the country, especially in East New Britain and the New Guinea Islands region, through their association with the Gurias franchise.
The 2013 Gurias squad: Sakias Kabange, Joe Bruno, Kot Kerowa, Nelson Daplen, Emmanuel Toide, Chris Jerry, Albert Patak, Daniel Pai, Pidi Togap, Boas Ruru, Eliab Pauria, Francis Paniu, Wartovo Puara Jr, Clement Kilingit, Bobby Pau, Markus Kaugla, Willaim Aquila, Emmanuel John, Jack Markus, Dion Aiye, Ase Boas, Bradley Simon, Rodney Pora, Obert Hondole, Junior Pangogo, Watson Boas, Junior Aseari, John Jamison, Eliakim Lukara, Konnie Bernard, Himson Lavu and David Punion.
The teams taking part in the NGIP Nine’s tournament: Nguvalian Sharks, Bismark Lions, Warongoi Township Razorbacks, Rabweld Steelers, J Malfox Jailbirds, Butex Electrical Hunters, Boroko Motors Wanderers, Lisko Eagles, Internal Motor Brothers, Grynaus Tribz, Vunakokor Young Guns, P-Daon Roots, Hardware Hammerheads, Nuracol Blacks, Namel Hawks, Nojanah Reds, Orong Estate Sidewinders, Keleone Panthers, Press-On Warriors, Infinet Energy Unicats, RMI Crusaders, Extreme Bulls and Locksmith Tigers.