Isapea with inside info on Lahanis

 FORMER Bintangor Goroka Lahanis men Nigel Hukula, Mark Mom and Sigfried Gande know what makes the Eastern Highlands franchise tick.

Hukula and Mom as coach and mentor are behind the rise of PRK Prima Gulf Isapea this season, but now they face a huge dilemma with a number of their strike players out on suspension.

With the Lahanis flying down to Port Moresby with a full-strength line-up, Hukula and Mom’s brains have been working overtime to come up with a strategy to beat the jersey that they once wore with pride.

Even Isapea board member and staunch supporter Jacob Ivaroa believes the crocodiles will rise to the occasion to continue to give their new wave of supporters something to cheer for.

The match-up at the Lloyd Robson Oval to kick-start the second  half of the Digicel Cup competition is important as both teams know that a good roll on helps to build morale. 

Lahanis coach Peter Warlock said yesterday the addition of Hutere Urakusie along-side Kumuls Gonzela Urakusie and Wesley Mohokule, plus veteran George Abba and Nicko Ubile will lay the foundation for them.

Isapea have been forced to bring in their fringe players with a mixed bag of results. 

“They stood up well in Mendi last week, considering the players they replaced played pivotal roles in Isapea picking up its form,” Hukula said.

The players brought in are winger Karo Kauna Jnr, backrower Aaron Tokapai, prop Doura Lohia, half Willie Martin and forward Mosley Tika. 

He also confirmed that hard-running prop Nickson Kolo returns next weekend.