Muruks secure three stars

THE Mendi Muruks have secured the services of SP Hunters pair Stanton Albert and Roy Ellison, and Central Queensland Capras forward McKenzie Yei for the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
Muruks coach Roderick Puname told The National on Friday that the trio would begin training with the 30-man squad once the Government’s nationwide Covid-19 state of emergency was lifted.
“Stanton, Roy and McKenzie have played for the Muruks before and now it’s good that they are coming back,” he said. “It will surely boost the young players in the team.
“With the inclusion of the trio, the squad may increase to 33 players but it depends on the club management.
“If they want to work with less than 30 men, then we might see some players being released to create space for the trio.”
Puname, who took over the coaching role from Andiki Andrew last month, said he only had a chance to meet the squad in camp in Lae recently.
But the Covid-19 threat had disrupted camp with players being released for their safety.
The former Wigmen coach said he was new to the squad but added that he was keen to build a strong club culture among the players.
“I don’t know most of the players so the team are basically new to me,” Puname said. “Hopefully, when we resume camp, I will start to build a connection with my players before the season starts and we’ll plot our campaign.”
Meanwhile, given the fluidity of the Covid-19 situation, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition is yet to set a definitive date to kick off the Digicel Cup season.