Lahanis circling Gurias

THE bemobile Cup preliminary final in Lae on Sunday could well prove to be a steady forward march as Bintagor Goroka Lahanis attempt to clear the last hurdle against the Agmark Rabaul Gurias in order to take on SBS Mendi Muruks in the grand final.
And the mythical Nokondi men believe that when anything comes down vertically, it cannot reverse but continue to slump on a downward trend. In contrast anything that is sky bound is likely to end up there.
That is the myth the Lahanis believe and have in mind after they disposed of the Port Moresby Vipers a fortnight ago, then gallantly shrugging off Enga Mioks last Sunday in Lae, both out of unpredictable situations.
Lahanis team manager Joe Isaro, in appreciating the Lahanis fans for their overwhelming support given in last Sunday’s elimination of the Mioks, called for everyone travelling to the game to be attired in the traditional red and white colours again.
The Lahanis are focused on the Oct 17 grand final showdown, however, the never-say-die Gurias still pose  a major hurdle to overcome.
Although there has been conflicting reports from the PNG Kumuls camp that players from both teams in the Kumuls side may not be allowed to risk themselves by playing in such a high intensity game, such decision would be left to officials of respective franchise teams and the PNGRFL to sort out.
Even if the Kumul players are not released, the Lahanis have been warned to avoid complacency at all costs and simply concentrate on their own game.
The warning came from head coach Peter Danga, with the possibility of Gurias being depleted of their key players in Rodney Pora, Dion Aiye, Larsen Marabe, Pidi Tongap, Sigfred Gande and George Moni.
Danga warned his players on the dangers of clocking off early against a quality side like the Gurias.
The East New Britain franchise under Michael Marum still has enough depth to give Lahanis a stiff challenge and will not die wondering.
Lahanis will be without inspirational skipper Glen Nami, but may get back centre Thompson Tete who missed out on making the final 24-man Kumuls squad.
PNG Prime Ministers XIII forward Tony Dai is expected to beef up an intimidating forward pack comprising former Kumuls Nigel Hukula and Nicko Slain Ubile, John Milba, Elvis Dick, Jackol Kura, Kuta Per Lomutopa and George Abba.
The Lahanis backline of playmakers like halves Walter Hasu and Casey Frank Gopie or Joseph Peter, centres and former PNG Pukpuk Chris Hogi and utility Kevin Inagafa, reliable fullback Adex Wera, flankers Minaho Goso and Spirrow Mikaive all have the attacking flair that can propel the Lahanis towards a meeting with the Muruks.