Lahanis coach backing spine to bring win

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Lahanis are backing their spine in Nicky Hasu, Joseph Karara and Charlie Buka to unsettle the Mendi Muruks in their Digicel Cup opener in Lae on Sunday (1pm kick-off).
Coach Michael Moses told The National yesterday that the Goroka-based side were confident in the game management of last year’s leading point scorer Buka and SP Hunters squad member Hasu.
“Buka has been around for a long time now and the club is built around him,” he said.
“His ruck speed makes him a threat and that’s why he was the competition’s leading points scorer last season.
“Most of our plays revolve around him and if he can get ample support from our forwards and halves then we will create opportunities for points.
“Our other key players are Hasu and Karara. Hasu brings in experience from the Hunters and if he can click with dynamic rookies like Karara, we’ll be a strong side.
“Another notable player is SP Hunter Brandon Nima.
“He has a fair bit of experience with the PNG Kumuls so he will be strong in centres.”
Moses said the bulk of the squad had been with the team since 2017.
“Stability makes things easy,” he said.
“They know each other well.
“They have a good understanding in camp, so they’ve bonded well and believe the camaraderie will show on the field. Nima and Hasu joined the team in 2017 and have been part of the 2018 premiership-winning side so we look set for this game.”