Isapeas make changes

By KEITH PUARIA
EIGHT changes are imminent for the Gulf Isapeas as they head into the second round against the visiting Lae Snax Tigers this Sunday at the Port Moresby Rugby League grounds.
Manager Bosco Kose could only confirm the addition of former Vipers and Wigmen forward Aaron Mulunga, Dickson Wallen, hooker Junior Belo and fullback Nicko Dom.
One other change from last week is the return of centre Barry Pakaea but his 2012 debut is pending assessment after a little hamstring issue prevented him from free running at training yesterday.
The Kerema franchise still has an injury list from pre-season which includes new signing and Brothers Rugby League powerhouse centre Wilfred Henry and former Goroka Lahanis Walter Hasu, who has not been at full fitness, even though he spent some time on the field last week.
Belo’s injection for this weekends’ tussle is the only standout change, taking over the role that both Hasu and 2011 X-factor Maloni Palani shared against the Vipers.
Steve Malum’s mental approach to Digicel Cup 2012 will again be tested, this time away from home, though it looks very much an open contest.
This Sunday’s PRL clash is the first of four away games for the Lae men and Malum will be hard at it in the sheds in preparation for the long four weeks away from the Lae Rugby League grounds.
Captain Mark Mexico, George Moni and Mai Tom are expected to take the lead in this “big apple” clash.
The rest of the round two fixtures are Agmark Gurias away to the high-rolling Enga Mioks in Enga, TNA Lions and the Mt Hagen Eagles in Hagen and an expected fiery encounter between last week losers SBSL Muruks hosting and defending premiers Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in Lae.
Lahanis are looking to regain lost pride after last Sunday’s home embarrassment to the Mioks, while the Muruks are looking to win back lost hearts after the hiding in the battle for Lae last week against the Tigers.