Loss steels Lae Tigers

By PARKER TAMBUA
REIGNING Digicel Cup champions Lae Tigers say Saturday’s 14-30 loss to Rabaul Gurias in Kokopo will galvanise the side for the remainder of the season.
Franchise manager Joe Kramer told The National yesterday that the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored Tigers remained the team to beat this season in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
He said the club’s bigger goal was to retain the premiership.
“Winning the premiership for a second-straight season is our main goal this season,” Kramer said.
“We remain confident of achieving it.
“The loss to the Gurias is good for the team.
“Sometimes it’s better to lose a game early in the season so that our team can learn from it.
“You can’t just win every game because that will attract complacency into the team.
“That is not what we want.
“Such result will only make the team stronger.”
Kramer said they had a young and inexperienced roster compared with previous seasons.
“The bulk of our players are new to the club,” he said.
“They are young and inexperienced, but that should not be an excuse. We have a good system at the Tigers.
“I believe they have adapted to our culture and will continue our winning mentality.”
Meanwhile, Kramer said the Tigers were grateful to have former Port Moresby Vipers pair Shallom Bire and Ben Wemin.
“Ben and Shalom are experienced centres,” he said.
“They played well in the last four rounds so far. They have made an impact on our attack and defence, and it’s a bonus for us.
“I’m also pleased with the performances of other players who have joined us this season.”