Isou face uphill battle

By PARKER TAMBUA
FOLLOWING an impressive start to the Digicel Cup season, Gulf Isou are back-peddling after two straight losses and they face another uphill battle against reigning Digicel Cup premiers Lae Tigers on Sunday.
The round-seven fixture at Lae Rugby League Ground will see both sides looking to bounce back from losses last weekend. Tigers and Isou share the same number of points, but sit second and third respectively on the ladder due to the hosts’ better points differential.
Isou coach Roger Laka said after last Sunday’s 20-30 loss to Mendi Muruks that his men needed to stick to their game plan.
“We need to fix our defence which is important,” he said.
“Our attack is good, but we need to stick to our game plan and play with consistency through the 80 minutes.”
The captain and fullback of the Petroleum Resources Kutubu-sponsored side, Gabby Taune’s combination with siblings in rake Jerry Teme and No.6 David Joseph will pose a threat to the Tigers.
Isou forwards, led by Eric Batia, Ricko Jimmy and Emmanuel Parua, will be looking to step up against an experienced Tigers pack.
Tigers have a formidable pack in Tommy Moide, Roy Kela, Adam Korave and Philemon Kimisive who will look to use their size and experience to dominate the visitors.
The Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side are known for scoring tries, but last Sunday’s 6-18 loss to Waghi Tumbe shows that Tigers can struggle for points.
The Tigers backline will be under pressure to coordinate their attack and produce tries.
Halfback Milex Winis will look to take charge of his side’s attack.
Fixtures: Sat, June 4 – Cutters v Tumbe; Sun, June 5 – Eagles v Wigmen, Dabaris v Gurias, Vipers v Mioks, Muruks v Lahanis, Tigers v Isou.