Lapua, Tenza to lead Mendi

BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA
THE PRK Mendi Muruks have named a 63-man squad filled mostly with new faces with a springkiling of experience as the franchise looks for a new direction under newly appointed coach Glen Nami.
Former PNG Hunters back David Lapua, pictured, and Lae Tigers dummy half Wesa Tenza are set to lead the side into the Digicel Cup season.
Muruks board chairman Isaac Joseph said 2019 was a rebuilding season for the Southern Highlands side. The Muruks unveiled their new logo and announced a new management team to support Nami.
Eric Alom was named franchise manager, Goroka Lahanis premiership-winning coach Nami as head coach, and Petroleum Resources Kutubu as the major sponsor with Handy Finance, Paradise Tailoring, Kiburu Lodge and Construct Oceanic Ltd the support sponsors.
Joseph said the new team was set up to get the franchise back on the right track after last year’s poor performance on and off the field.
Southern Highlands Governor William Powi was also named patron of the side.
Muruks 63 train-on squad: David Lapua, Jack Manda, Maya Clark, Roy Ellison, Steven Mark, Emmanuel David, Pembo Pokea, Richard Mapi, Luwi Matiabe, Dickson Pipi, Robert Kol, Samuel Samson, Abel Rami, Solomon Nandape, Ox Jacob, Dux Nandaku, Jeremiah Pond, Kennedy Kembo, Bob Tenza, Glen Tipu, Richard Nomo, Joshua Molsie, Peter Ples, Joson Pima, Martin Bomai, Oliver Kerry, Enoch Kili, Junior Justin-Sito, Wesa Tenza, Anston Sumareke, Gifton Sumareke, Noel Owil, Bernard Lun, Miles Posu, Garra Disas, Zero Frank, Alex Pombo, Kit Kopono, Gideon Wimol, Billy Posu, Clifford Kara, Moses Ekep, Nenga Nandape, Manu Pat, Jacky Kapipi, Nickson Waki, Gilmore Paul, Ali Uria, Job Tomba, Aleto Sesemena, Kennedy Herbert, Sean David, Belli Yakopa, Jeremy Ludwick, Darel Elizah, Jeremiah Kunda, Jerry Able, Balla Samson, Ben Yeki, Leon Undupia; Development players: Tapia Solu, Jason Hardy, Victor Ario, Nathan Sesemena, Milford Irie.