Royals eager to maintain top form

By HENRY MORABANG
COMPETITION lea­ders Papua Gold Royals will clash with Kone Storms when Port Moresby rugby league enters game five of the first round at the Port Moresby rugby league grounds this weekend.
The boys from Gordon Police Barracks started their campaign on a clean slate edging Kavo West 16-12 in the season opener and beating Maiari Eagles 28-14. They were stronger in the third game by thumping Snax Tigers 36-16. Last weekend, they sent Ecocare Puma back-pedalling with a 22-12 win.
Team manager Simon Maima said his forward pack led by versatile skipper Vitus Kupo, Tony Bare, Junior Yambi, Tom Hangu and Tani Meka were working as a unit.
They have good support from dummy half Alua Yori and Vipers star five-eighth Peter Paulus.
The forwards have been devastating providing their backline space to maneuver and find opportunities to score.
With the sudden passing of their star signing and former Goroka Lahanis player Mack Siwi two weeks ago, Royals will try to fill the vacuum with new talents.
The club has confirmed Six Mile police station commander Brian Kombe as the new president replacing Moses Kaigu who had been acting in the post.
The treasurer is Gideon Kaukia and Maima retains his post as team manager.
Kone Storms under Wilson Mavoko has been playing some good football, and that will definitely spark some fireworks between the Simbus from Gordon Barracks and the Konedobu area.
In the other matches, Magani should beat Tarangau, Brothers to fly over Hohola Dragons and Puma to post their first points against Dobo Warriors.
On Saturday, Wests clash with Tigers, Butterflies will meet Souths, Hawks will face Defence while Paga Panthers to claw Maiari Eagles.