Muruks No. 7 Winis set to lead Medics in nines tourney

By PARKER TAMBUA
MENDI Muruks halfback Milex Winis says he is ready to lead his local team, Hagen Medics, in the upcoming Southern Highlands Nines rugby league tournament.
The tournament will held in the provincial capital in January.
Winis told The National yesterday that his goal was to help the Medics finish better than last year.
“Last year, we bowed out in the Cup semifinal and it was heartbreaking,” the 23-year-old said.
“But this time, we want to go one better.
“Our preparations have been good.
“We are training at the Mt Hagen Secondary School grounds.
“We don’t have many experienced players.
“We have only two Digicel Cup players in myself and Enga Mioks lock Nicky Aure.
“Last year’s tournament was tough as every team competed strongly.
“This year, we are expecting the field of teams to be even stronger.
“We don’t want to go there just to make up the numbers.
“We mean business.”
Winis said the Medics had a reputation of producing high-quality players who had gone on to play in the Digicel Cup.
He said platforms such as the tournament provided an opportunity to market themselves.
“There were a number of inter-city players who came through Medics and United Kingdom-based former Kumul Dion Aiye was one of them.
“We want to maintain that reputation and legacy.
“Hopefully, we go out and impress Digicel Cup scouts who will attend the tournament.”
Meanwhile, tournament coordinator Terence Kapipi confirmed that some Digicel Cup coaches would attend the tournament.