Southern 9s teams impress Isou coach Geno

SIPORO Magpies coach Colin Geno said he was not only impressed with his team’s success but that of other teams from Central, Gulf and Western at the Southern Nines rugby league tournament.
Magpies outsmarted reigning champions Lako One to seal the Cup final with a 22-13 victory at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Thursday.
Gulf Isou coach Geno said he had identified several talents from the three provinces and the National Capital District for the Digicel Cup side next year.
He said the players had the height and weight but they needed confidence and Port Moresby Rugby Football League experience to hold them in good stead in the semi-professional competition.
“There is so much talent from Central, Gulf and Western and they’re great for Digicel Cup teams to consider,” said Geno, who was named the best coach of this year’s tournament. “They are raw. If given the right kind of training at the higher level, they can only get better.”
He said Southern Nines product Ross Ravu was already making a name for himself in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
Geno said the consistency in their roster over the years had helped the side win the Cup final.
“We had prepared well for the tournament,” he sid.
“We did not underestimate any team. We took them all seriously and that attitude helped us win the tournament.”