Mioks coach says Laka is comp’s best playmaker

ENGA Mioks coach Timothy Lepa says playmaker Roger Laka, pictured, is in a purple patch of form and this has helped the side string together six straight wins in the 2018 Digicel Cup season.
The diminutive five-eighth, was a foundation player for the SP PNG Hunters in 2014 but was released at the end of 2015, and has continued to play rugby league for his Paga Panthers in the Port Moresby Rugby League as well as for the Mioks in the semi-professional competition.
Lepa went as far as saying that the 171cm, 73kg playmaker, who turns 30 next month, was the form playmaker of the competition particularly after their 18-14 win over Hela Wigmen in Port Moresby last Sunday.
“He’s the most experienced player in our squad. He’s played for the Mioks and the Port Moresby Vipers over the years,” Lepa said.
“He still has the skills to be a great contributor on the field,” Lepa said of his fellow Engan, who was released by the Hunters ostensibly because he was too slow for the Q-Cup and a liability on defence.
“Roger is one of the best kickers in general play in the competition.”
Lepa said Laka was perfect match for the Mioks who had a roster that was finally complementing their main shot caller after three seasons of variable results.
Lepa said with the pieces falling into place over the offseason, the Mioks were finally playing positive football particularly behind a pack of forwards that could adjust to the requirements of a game and change tack when needed.
The Mioks have a pack brimming with experience, speed and power led by Supa Kokote and including props Kot Kerua, Esau Siune and Mark Mexico as well as back-rowers Manuel John and Eddie Daffa.
Laka to his credit deflected the praise saying he was working behind a dominant pack. “We’ve got a really good pack this year,” Laka said.
“We have guys in the pack who are stepping up and complementing the senior guys.
“They are sticking to the basics and getting it right which is impressive,” Laka added.
“As a team, we don’t expect any fancy play. We’ve gelled defensively to bring the team forward by doing our jobs in our respective positions,” he said.
“Compared to last year’s team, we’ve got a lot of confidence especially coming off a two-month preseason.
“There’s a trust and belief here. We’ve lifted our standard and that has shown in the season so far with the wins.”
Laka said he was looking forward to the game against the Lae Tigers in Wabag on Sunday.
The defending champions, who beat the Mendi Muruks 18-10 on Sunday in Lae, have been off for most of the opening six rounds but coach Stanley Tepend said his side were keen on taking on the competition leaders and wresting a win over the Mioks at Aipus Oval.
“If we win, it will be a bonus for us,” Laka said.
“The Tigers are not going well at the moment but again they will put up a tough game against us as they usually do when they come to Wabag.”