Gurias, Tigers backed

SP Hunters coach Church predicts current top 2 will play Oct 18 grand final

SP Hunters coach Matthew Church is predicting the top-two Digicel Cup teams in the Rabaul Gurias and Lae Tigers will meet in the Oct 18 grand final in Port Moresby.
Both sides had the first week of the finals off, with the remaining four teams from the top-six playing in the elimination finals on Sunday.
“I feel the advantage of a week off after 11-straight rounds is a huge advantage,” Australian Church said.
“The Gurias and Tigers meet (on Sunday) for the first spot in the grand final.
“Overall, I think it will be a Gurias-Tigers grand final – they have been in front in terms of attack and defence this year.
“I just like the way the Gurias have built their season, the external motivation for (Gurias founder the late John) Nightingale might just be enough get them home in the grand final.”
Throughout the season, Church has been impressed by the performances of several players, with plenty of Hunters playing well.
Some fresh faces have also put their hand up for consideration for next year’s squad.
“I am really happy with how most of the Hunters players have passed on knowledge to their Digicel Cup teammates,” he said.
“As well as this, our staff have also filtered back and shared their experience in the franchises.
“Stanley Olo has continued his strong year for the Guiras, initially he was overlooked for our season.
“He got an opportunity with someone dropping out of the squad and hasn’t looked back, so I am happy to say that he has proved me wrong.
“Former Hunter and current Kumuls halfback Watson Boas has also been outstanding for Gurias.
“Their whole squad has been playing strongly. “Ase Boas, Keven Appo, Enoch Maki (Vipers), Stanton Albert (Muruks), Rhadley Brawa (Enga Mioks), Emmanuel Waine, Casey Dickson (Waghi Tumbe) and Terry Wapi (Gurias) have all been good for their respective teams.
“Jordan Pat (Gurias) was previously with the Hunters and has also been strong.
“I’ve been on the lookout for a couple of key areas to add to our squad for next year.
“I think we need to bolster our middle forwards.
“I am also looking at some young halves, we have great experienced halves, so it’ll be great to have a young half who can learn off Ase and Charlie Simon.
“I am not discounting our current players in those positions, but any challenger is only going to strengthen our squad.
“The end goal of our organisation is to get more (former Hunter and current Melbourne Storm centre) Justin Olam’s playing in the best competition in the world, this then strengthens our national side.”
Fans were allowed back in the stands in Port Moresby for the last round of the season and many are set to venture out again this weekend, a positive sign for PNG.
“The return for spectators in Port Moresby is great for the game,” Church said.
“While games are televised, it’s just not the same experience — even a half-packed PNG stadium can make full stadiums in other countries look and sound empty.
“The crowds will relish the last few opportunities to watch games this year and I’m sure the players will wage a physical battle and provide fans with all they hope for.
“Outside the NRL, it’s one of the first competitions to kick off post Covid-19 so congratulations must go to all who got the Digicel Cup running for our players and staff.
“Due to the world circumstances, it’s created one of the strongest Digicel Cups in a long time.
“It should be a great finals series, I can’t wait.” – QRL