Speed thrills

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

THE Goroka Lahanis are fuelled up to give the champion Rabaul Gurias a fiery welcome in the fight for the first Digicel Cup rugby league grand final spot.

With home ground advantage at the National Sports Institute, the Lahanis are in pole position to win the major semi-final in the Eastern Highlands capital on Sunday.

The Gurias are, however, a professional outfit and despite the odds against them based on their poor away record, coach Michael Marum will have something in store to inspire his players to rise to the challenge.

Both sides are filtered with Kumuls prospects for this year’s World Cup and that will add flavour to the clash of the two traditional heavyweights of the semi-professional nationwide competition.

Marum could not confirm his line-up yesterday and opted not to comment on their chances.

The Gurias forwards led by Joe Bruno, Nelson Daplen, Travis Waninara, Kevin Frank and Bradley Simon have been consistently performing with Kumul five-eighth prospect Dion Aiye and his pacey outside backs in Jackie Marcus, Francis Paniu, Boas Ruru and William Aquila.

 Lahanis coach Michael Moses expects the match to be played at a fast pace, with the Gurias always dominant with their quick play the ball around the rucks.

“We have watched their games closely and see they have a natural tendency to score a lot of their tries down the left flank,” he said. 

“While that is only one area, we have trained well in our defensive area to counter their game.” 

The Lahanis starting line-up:  Adex Wera (full-back), Felix Tatsim, Kevin Inagafa (wings), Minaho Goso, John Arme Gand (centres), Noel Zeming (five-eight), Robin Soga (half-back), Wesley Mohokule (prop), Yapa Kapu (hooker), Gonzella Urakusie (prop), Nicko Ubile, Supa Kokote (second-row), Bernard Tatsim Junior (lock). 

The reserves: Spiro Mikaive, George Abba, Micah Soboni, Waisy Joe.