Mikaive eager to make most of homecoming

By PARKER TAMBUA
HOOKER Manu Mikaive has returned to his home team, Goroka Lahanis, with the aim to help the Bintangor-sponsored side reach the top-six playoffs of the Digicel Cup.
The 25-year-old Asaro native was with Mt Hagen Eagles for three seasons and recently joined Enga Mioks for a full pre-season before returning to the Gonzella Urakusie-coached side.
Mikaive was among 20 Mioks players who had been dropped before round one after they had refused to take the Covid-19 vaccination, but he had since taken the jab and received the all-clear.
He was rushed into the Lahanis team a fortnight ago which saw him play his first game of the season in the round-four clash with Lae Tigers at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
In his second game last week against Mendi Muruks, Mikaive made impact with his quick dummy-half runs as he helped the Lahanis register their first victory of the season with an upset win.
“It’s good to be back playing for my home team,” the Eastern Highlander said.
“I left the Mioks because of the vaccination policy, but I had no choice as I really wanted to continue playing in the Digicel Cup.
“So the Lahanis gave me the opportunity to be vaccinated mid-season and I’m excited.”
Mikaive kicked off his Digicel Cup career in 2015 with the Lahanis where he played for two seasons. In 2017, he moved to Australia due to other commitments before he returned in 2018 and joined the Eagles.
“I was playing for Lopi Brothers in the Goroka Rugby League when I joined the Lahanis,” Mikaive said.
“I didn’t play many games in my first two seasons with them because I was only a fringe player in the squad. But I’m now more mature with experience. My goal this year is to help the team make the top-six.
“We started poorly but I am confident we can do it because I think we have a very exciting group of players.”

Hooker Manu Mikaive was identified by the Lahanis
while playing for Goroka Rugby League’s Lopi Brothers.
– PNGNRLCpic