Marlins set eye on season

By ROBINSON LEKA
FOLLOWING their Capital Rugby Union admission this year, MBB Marlins are keen on learning and growing in their maiden season at Bava Park in Port Moresby.
Club founder and head coach Rawali Bokuik told The National that the move from National Capital District Rugby Union came down to standards and experience.
“It means a lot to be playing in CRU,” he said.
“We know there’s history and experience in this competition with teams like University, Brothers and Harlequins, so our coming here is to learn and grow.
“We know that the bulk of the Pukpuks (national men’s team) have come out from here, so our boys want to grow and climb the ranks of national representation.
“We’re so privileged and glad to be playing here.
“We’re already starting to see the calibre of CRU players and how they play — it’s a big difference.
“One important reason our boys wanted to move was that we wanted to have matches on proper fields and Bava is pretty much up to standard.
“About 20 per cent of players are from other clubs while the rest are from Gerehu with a lot of them residing at stages three and two, and are mostly from rugby league backgrounds.
“We’ve brought in a diverse group of young players and are just building from here.”
Bokuik said the 2021 season would be a great opportunity for the club with the Marlins targeting a top-four finish in the junior and senior divisions.