Muruks wary of Tigers

Eagles chasing first win of season

THE Mendi Muruks and Lae Tigers will be aiming to continue their momentum when they meet on Sunday (3.15pm kick-off) after both sides scored 40 points each last week.
The fourth-placed Muruks beat Gulf Isou 40-4 and the ladder-leading Tigers defeated 2018 premiers Goroka Lahanis 40-12 in round eight of the Digicel Cup on Sunday.
The round-nine clash at the Lae Rugby League Ground will see the Tigers’ attacking trio of Edwin Ipape, Edene Gebbie and Charlie Simon test the Muruks defence.
The Muruks will be boosted by stars of their own in the likes of Wesa Tenza, David Joseph, Joe Honk and Dickson Pipi in the backline.
But it will be a big ask for 2012 runners-up Muruks, who have six wins and two losses, to match the 12-team competition’s form side, who are yet to drop points this season.
The Muruks will be eager to avoid a loss as only a point separates them from the fifth-placed Vipers, who face the lowly Gulf Isou in Port Moresby on Sunday (1pm).
Defending champions Tigers, who are on an eight-game winning streak, will be determined to continue their perfect start with an eye on the minor premiership.
Most of their wins this season have been convincing with SP Hunters pair Mark Pitti and Junior Rop dominating the middle for coach Stanley Tepend’s men.
The Tigers are the best attacking side so the Muruks, led by Stanton Albert, Hobert Koim, Daniel Tapol and Mark Mexico, will have to be at their best to contain the hosts. In the earlier match of Lae’s double-header, cellar dwellers Mt Hagen Eagles will look to register their first win against the sixth-placed Enga Mioks (1pm).
Fixtures: Sat, Sept 5 — Rabaul Gurias v Hela Wigmen; Sun, Sept 6 — Kimbe Cutters v Goroka Lahanis, Mt Hagen Eagles v Enga Mioks, Lae Tigers v Mendi Muruks, Gulf Isou v Port Moresby Vipers, Central Dabaris v Waghi Tumbe.