Ivaroa: Crocs’ struggles are not cause for concern yet

By KEITH PUARIA
GULF Isapeas chief selector, Jacob Ivaroa, has called on fans to “keep the faith”.
Ivaroa made the call after Sunday’s poor second half showing from the second-year franchise culminating in a 26-8 loss to the Port Moresby Vipers.
“The team is there. We strongly believe we’ve got the players,” the former Royals running forward said.
“Today (Sunday) was simply an off day for the boys, and there was no instant click in the new combinations. That’s all.”
The Isapeas will take heart from the Vipers match having lost to their Moresby brethren 42-6 last year.
The round one clash against the Vipers showed glimpses of promise from last year’s wooden spooners in the first half.
But a high error rate in the second, coupled with poor options quickly turned the tables in favour of their more experienced opponents.
Vipers capitalised on this  and ran in four tries to one.
“We will assess the game and work on the areas they need to improve for the next game.
“I want to assure all our supporters that this is a competitive team, and it just needs to get the combinations right and play to its potential for 80 minutes before we can see results,”  Ivaroa said.
Ivaroa and coach Chris Enara maintained that although there could be some tactical changes, the first round result did not warrant drastic changes to personnel, as it was a step in the right direction in building confidence and belief among the playing unit.
The Lae Tigers are up next for the Crocs in the national capital on Sunday.