Roosters set to crow at NGI 9s

The National Sports

By JACK AMI
SSG ROOSTERS founders Gairo Gavu and son Shane are confident their team will go one better in the New Guinea Islands League Nines from Friday to Sunday in Kokopo, East New Britain.
The club raised K21,000 to make the trip to take part in the 20-team tournament.
The Roosters have taken part in other nines tournaments around the country for six years under Shane Gavu.
Gavu said it would be their second NGI 9s and they were excited with the increase in the prize money from K40,000 to K50,000.
“We are all geared and prepared for this event and the bonus is that apart from the prize money on offer for the cup winners, the players also have the opportunity to be picked by the Agmark Gurias coaching staff for the 2018 season,” Gavu said.
“I know four other Port Moresby teams including champions NCD Cowboys, Moresby City Punishers, Bang 36 and Erima Laumas are bringing strong teams to this tournament but we’re confident we’ll do well.
“Last year we made it to the cup final but lost to the Cowboys so we know we can do it.”
Roosters have secured the services of former PNG Hunters back Karo Kauna Jr, former Isapea players Makara Hura and Jakins Mark Olam alongside their experienced players in Junior Belo, Ilave Sapea and Chicko Mairi.
“We’ve got two of our players — John Andy and Edene Gabbe — currently training with the PNG Hunters and hopefully they’ll be released to join us in Kokopo.”
Roosters coach Moses Matuka said his side had a good balance of experienced players and young talent and they would be aiming to make the finals of the tournament.
“We’ve got some experienced players and some guys who are in good form and looking to do well at this tournament,” Matuka said.
“We’re fortunate to have quality players Karo Kauna Jr, Makara Hura and Jackins Olam for this campaign.”
Gavu said the side’s participation would not have been possible without the support of sponsors The Funeral Home, Desh Besh Ltd, KR Group of Companies, RMA II, Exibe Investments, Azmire Enterprises, Nano Appto, HSSC, and the family and friends of the club.