Mioks eye spot in final

THE Enga Mioks enter their first finals match of 2023 after being unbeaten in the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season and expectations are high as they face the Lae Tigers in the major semifinal on Sunday.
The Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored Tigers are one of the most successful clubs of the last decade and have an impressive good finals record and the experience.
The Mioks celebrated their much deserved minor premiership title and had the extra week off the post season but will no need to take their form to the next level against battle hardened and finals savvy Tigers who will have a number of stars back on deck for clash.
But the Enga government-sponsored side under coach Billy Gau have overachieved this season in not just making the finals but going through 16 rounds undefeated with a draw the only blemish on their record.
Mioks will rely on their halves combination of Francis Sam and Gary James to lead their attack with fullback Robert Kunai and hooker Job Kar in striking up an effective combination that has only gotten stronger as the season has progressed. Boosting the Engan pack are SP Hunters squad members in Junior Talin, who also the captain, and boom forward Seal Kalo while veteran Supa Kokota’s presence has been a key component in a winning formula.
For the Tigers, class and experience abound in the spine with former SP Hunters playmakers in Mark Tony (five-eighth) and Charlie Simon (halfback) and possible the dangerous Sanny Wabo at fullback.
The Tigers are hoping to make their sixth grand final in eight years which in itself speaks to the quality of the side and the club.
Tigers forwards in Steven Yei, Solomon Karish, Doa Tapako and Nicky Aure have formed a capable pack taking up the reins left by Junior Rop, Sylvester Namo and Tommy Moide and prove that the Tigers system is a successful one.
Mioks coach Billy Gau said recently that his side appreciated that finals football was different from regular season football but he was confident their systems and structures that had worked well throughout the season would serve them well as they hope to end a 23-year premiership drought.