Isou dust themselves off, ready for Tumbe challenge

Sports

THE Gulf Isou’s great start to the season was given a reality check last week when the Agmark Gurias meted out a 42-8 belting to the Petroleum Resources Kutubu-sponsored side in Port Moresby.
On Sunday, the Isou have a chance to redeem themselves when they take on the Waghi Tumbe in the Round 4 Digicel Cup clash at their Jiwaka stronghold of Minj Rugby League Oval.
The Isou looked every bit a second-rate side against the Gurias but coach Norris Selu said his men had learned a lesson about playing the better sides in the competition — after they had started their 2019 campaign with wins over last year’s grand finlists the Enga Mioks and Goroka Lahanis.
Isou will be without inspirational captain Moore Evara but Selu said his side were approaching the match with a nothing-to-lose-attitude.
Selu said the Tumbe, who are coached by former Kumul and Eagles hardman Francis Ray, would present tough challenge especially at home — they beat the Eagles 14-12 last round in Minj.
Selu has tweaked his side for the challenge with Jason Maima to play hooker and Rex Hapeo to play halfback with Yunny Patrick to captain the side in the five-eighth role.
“The Tumbe are undefeated so we know they are a strong side and we’ll have to be at our very best to beat them,” Selu said.
Selu said his side had learned from their loss to the Gurias and would work hard not to repeat the mistakes from last week.
“This is our chance to show people that we are a serious contender in 2019,” Selu said.