Laka to start against Tigers

Cutters take aim at Eagles, Gurias primed for Muruks

ENGA Mioks player-coach Roger Laka is set for his first start of the Digicel Cup season when they face defending champions Tigers in Lae on Sunday (3.30pm kick-off).
In the earlier match of the Lae Rugby League Ground round-seven double-header, the Kimbe Cutters will fancy their chances against winless cellar-dwellers Mt Hagen Eagles (1.15pm).
In Kokopo, the fourth-placed Rabaul Gurias will leapfrog the Mendi Muruks, who are second, if they beat the visitors tomorrow in the Agmark-sponsored side’s first home game of the season at Kalabond Oval (2pm).
In only his second appearance off the bench, former SP Hunters playmaker Laka steered the Mioks to a 24-14 win over Gulf Isou on Sunday – marking their first victory of the year.
Laka told The National yesterday that his experience at five-eighth would boost the sixth-placed Mioks’ attack against the ladder leaders, who have the second-best defence in the 12-team competition.
“Our halves need more time to adjust to the rigours of semi-professional rugby league,” he said of halfback Junior Pokapen and No.6 Maya Clark, who has been replaced by Laka.
“I will come into the starting side to provide leadership against the Tigers, who have a lot of experience across the park.”
Laka said he would be counting on former Tiger Willie Minoga to provide an impact off the bench against the Stanley Tepend-coached hosts.
“Minoga played his first game for us last week and I thought he did well,” he said.
“I’m sure he is looking forward to facing his old teammates.
“I’m expecting a big game from him as we look to improve our position on the ladder.”
Laka said they needed to control the ruck and slow the Tigers’ play-the-ball for the entire 80 minutes if they were to get anything out of the match.
Tepend is expected to field star backs Edwin Ipape, Edene Gebbie, Noel Joel, Joe Joshua, Charlie Simon and Mark Tony alongside forwards Mark Pitti, Junior Rop, John Andy, Tiger Emere and Ishmael Balkawa.
Meanwhile, Port Moresby’s triple-header on Sunday will see Gulf Isou lock horns with the Goroka Lahanis (12pm), Vipers face the Central Dabaris (2pm) and the Hela Wigmen meet Waghi Tumbe (4pm).
The visiting Lahanis, last year’s runners-up Wigmen and the Vipers will fancy their chances against their opponents.
Fixtures: Sat, Aug 22 – Rabaul Gurias v Mendi Muruks; Sun, Aug 23 – Kimbe Cutters v Mt Hagen Eagles, Lae Tigers v Enga Mioks, Gulf Isou, v Goroka Lahanis, Central Dabaris v Port Moresby Vipers, Waghi Tumbe v Hela Wigmen.