New Muruks coach resigns

By PARKER TAMBUA
NEW Mendi Muruks head coach Andiki Andrew has resigned from his post three weeks out from the start of the Digicel Cup season.
Andrew, who announced his resignation on Tuesday, was the coach of last season’s grand finalists Kroton Hela Wigmen before he quit the role to link up with the Petroleum Resources Kutubu-backed side in January.
He told The National yesterday that club’s selection policy and coaching role were compromised by the management and that he found no purpose in the team.
Andrew said he was denied from participating in the selection process and trials which he believes was part of any coach’s role.
“A coach is responsible in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a player when doing selections,” Andrew said.
“It is the coach’s responsibility to develop training programmes to monitor and enhance performance and also undertake some administrative tasks but I can’t find that in the club.
“The coaching staff are kept in the dark. Our selection policy only focuses on a certain part of the province and not all of Southern Highlands.
“Muruks was once a glamour club in PNG rugby league. It is our aim to restore that pride as a team but such mix-ups is the biggest stumbling block to the team’s success.”
Andrew said player welfare was also an issue in the team.
He said there were a number of matters that were not consistent with the club’s principles and that it was in the best interest of the club and himself that he resign from the post.
Meanwhile, Muruks franchise manager Eric Alom refused to comment when approached by The National over the matter.