Jiwaka takes back control of Waghi Tumbe

The National Sports

By JACK AMI
THE Jiwaka Provincial government under the chairmanship of Governor William Tongamp, pictured, has retained the naming rights of the Waghi Tumbe semi-professional rugby league club for this year.
The announcement was made by Tongamp at a press conference at the Gateway Hotel on Wednesday.
The Jiwaka government replaces last season’s sponsor Giru Construction Ltd as the franchise owner with an undisclosed commitment for this season.
Witnessing the announcement were head coach Francis Ray, team manager Joe McConnor and club captain Sipa Korken.
Ray was retained as head coach after guiding the Tumbe to the preliminary final last season which his first as a coach in the Digicel Cup.
The Tumbe have also secured the services of SP PNG Hunters vice-captain Moses Meninga, props Enoch Maki and Baundo Aba as well as backs Junior Rau, Justin Yoka and Joe Frank.
Tongamp welcomed the signing of these six stars and commended Ray and his staff for moulding the squad into to a genuine title contender.
The six Hunters players will be released to play for the Tumbe when not required for Q-Cup fixtures this season.
McConnor said the squad that had been finalised was one they had confidence in that could maintain the standard set last year.
Players were picked from their performances in the Jiwaka Governor’s Cup and from the the Coca Cola Ipatas Cup.
“We’re pleased to say that most of our players are Jiwaka talents and we are confident they will do well in 2019,” McConnor said.
The squad and will be reduced to 25 along with the six Hunters for total of 31.
The squad members are expected to assemble at the Minj rugby league oval today at 2pm for fitness and medical tests over the next two weeks. Waghi Tumbe: 1. Elijah Rotilnga, 2. John Onglo, 3. Fedilis Sakipo, 4. Presely Komble, 5. Saki Peter, 6. Francis Sam, 7. Koso Badi, 8. Junior Kale Menau, 9. Ray Patrick, 10. Micah Tom, 11. Brian Kiripe, 12. TJ Talu, 13. Sipa Korken, 14. Wari Molu, 15. Korken Abba, 16. Sam Tei, 17. Frank Kagai, 18. Samuel Bob, 19. David Lapua, 20. Emmanuel Waine, 21. David Wena, 22. Nelson Kumba, 23. Job Kar, 24. Jessie Mek, 25. Best Dani, 26. Daniel Tolie, 27. Bruce Kawage, 28. Moses Yora, 29. Sam Ngend, 30. Steven Billy, 31. Havy Till, 32. Charlie Kapil, 33. Salika Mathew, 34. Joe Frank, 35. Leo Malyie, 36. Saki Lesley, 37. Jim Frank, 38. Joshua Nani, 39. Levai Andrew, 40. Daniel Pai, 41. Israel Balio, 42. Stanley Bob, 43. Milex Winis, 44. Adam Wek, 45. Layton Lipu.