Hornbills gearing up for Snax 9s tournament

SOUTHERN Highlands based rugby league club Erave Hornbills are preparing for the Snax Nines tournament which is set for the Lae Rugby League ground on Dec 8-10.
The Hornbills are the defending champions after claiming the title in 2020. The Hornbills beat West New Britain’s 15 City Roosters 22-4 in the final.
Due to Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic the annual tournament was cancelled last year.
Hornbills coach Kila Wina told The National last week that they were ready to defend the title.
Wina said his team would be boosted by some Digicel Cup players.
“We will maintain the bulk of players that won the 2020 tournament but we will bring in some new players as well,” Wina said.
He said the Digicel Cup players that would be part of the team were former SP Hunter Justin Yoka, David Joseph from the Mendi Muruks, Jerry Teme from Gulf Isou, Yaksy Kila from Enga Mioks, Livai Andrew from the Muruks and former Isou Wilfred Martin.
“We want to make sure we retain the title and we believe this is a strong team. We will also have some youth in the team so it will be a good mix with the experienced players in the side.”
Wina said the Hornbills would also participate in the Agmark 9s, the Southern Highlands 9s and Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup following the Snax 9s.
Meanwhile, Wina has appealed to interested individuals and business houses in Southern Highlands to come forward and support the team.