Rookie coach caps off year with premiership

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen rookie coach Charlie Wabo capped off a remarkable year with a 16-14 win over reigning champions Lae Tigers in the Digicel Cup grand final in Port Moresby yesterday.
The former Papua New Guinea Kumuls rake was also named as the coach of the year at the Digicel Cup awards night on Thursday.
Wabo said he was not expecting an award in his rookie year as a Digicel Cup coach.
“It’s only my first year and I did not see this one coming,” he said.
“But I am proud and honoured to receive the award.
“I have played many grand finals and received awards as a player but not like this. To get such recognition in my debut year is special.”
The former Mendi Muruk, Port Moresby Viper and Wigman said he was also proud of his players who went one better this season after last year’s defeat by the Tigers in the grand final.
Wabo said he was confident that his players would only get better next season.
“I thank my players for performing well all season,”
“I see a lot of potential in them.
“They follow instructions well, they execute whatever game plan we come up with and I think that has played a big part in making my job easier.”
Wabo also commended Judah Rimbu (rookie of the year), Solomon Pokari (top point scorer), Solo Wane (winger of the year, people’s choice and top try scorer) and Samuel Yegip (prop) for winning awards.
Meanwhile, when asked by the media if he would consider being part of the SP Hunters and Kumuls coaching staff, Wabo said: “No, I don’t think so.
“I lack the experience and I am sure there are more experienced coaches in those two representative teams at the moment.
“It’s a long shot but if it turns out that way in the future then I would really love to be a part of either team.”