Hukula to coach Gulf Isou

Former Hunters assistant picked as Digicel Cup side target top-six

FORMER SP Hunters assistant coach Nigel Hukula has been appointed the coach of Gulf Isou as the Digicel Cup side look to make the top-six playoffs in the upcoming season.
The Prima Smallgoods-backed side said in a statement yesterday that the former Oil Search Papua New Guinea Orchids coach’s appointment would boost their preparations ahead of the April 5 kick-off.
“Nigel was until midway through last year the assistant coach of the Hunters under Michael Marum,” Isou said in a statement. They hoped to keep the former Kumul for “the coming season and beyond”.
“He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. He has mingled at the highest level and we are grateful for his addition to the franchise to guide the team in the competition this season.
“For this reason, we are aiming to make the top-six this season. We call on our supporters and corporate citizens to back the team so that we can make this season a successful one for all involved – our stakeholders, corporate sponsors and supporters at large.”
Meanwhile, Prima Smallgoods has come to the aide of Isou with K50,000 to begin their preparations for the season.
This grant being part of Prima Smallgood’s continued commitment for the Gulf franchise with renewed sponsorship totaling K150,000.
Isou chairman Mai Ori thanked the company and its managing director Adrian Chow for the loyalty and kind gesture towards the side for the third season running.
On behalf of the franchise, Ori appealed to other corporate citizens to do help back the side.
“Come and support the growth of rugby league through the team and player pathways,” he said.
Ori said for Isou to be competitive in the country’s premier rugby league competition, they must prepare well especially in the pre-season.
“Securing a strong base of sponsors like Prima Smallgoods goes a long way in facilitating pre-season training,” Isou said.
“It also ensures that player welfare and administrative needs – key components of being competitive in the Digicel Cup — are taken care of.”
Train-on squad: Josh Ericho, Gabby Taune, Benji Kot, Peter Soi, Menna Mine, Ben Joe Sarufa, Ronnie Aua, Yunny Patrick, Jason Maima, Charles Kumbi, Moore Evara, Joseph Singura, Andy Luke Jr, Moses Okopela, Otto Wrakonei, John Koivi, Nelson Wak, Roa Maino Gairo, Riko Jimmy, Rex Kaupa, Imani Matuka, Blemmer Shadrack, Charlie Oliver, Meldor Haveo, Ross Ravu, Daru Wanpis Tuli, Judah Kevin Rimbu, Samson Pirika, Steven Ito, Junior Hoki, Raymond Batia, Eric Batia, Alwyn Kevaru, Ray Amos Jr, Winston Weni, Patrick Palme, Seida Robert, Gilbert Kombia, Richard Rauni, Aigewa Palo, Mega Pali, Jesse Wayne, Israel Wari, Jonah Bob, Ezra Duku; Hunters players — Gairo Kapana, Smith Siviri.