Stars return to Warriors as Varage reclaims reins

 REIGNING Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) champions Dobo Warriors are on the return.

Despite languishing in 10th spot, the return of former club chairman Wari Varage, could right a listing  ship.

Club politics saw Varage, and a majority of the premiership winning players leave, despite bringing the club its first premiership in 17 years.

With the return of Varage, answering an SOS call from interim chairman Jack Deia and coach Paul Noe, he is now calling on all its premiership winning team members to return. Varage said he had already roped in last year’s winning skipper Anthony Abavu to return for his first match this Sunday against Paga Panthers. With all the club internal politics, Abavu has been playing in his local Koiari league.

Abavu, was part of the larger pool of players for the Port Moresby Vipers franchise, but was not used. 

“While I’m disappointed at not being given a chance at the Vipers, I’m happy that all the club issues have been cleared and now I can return to bolster Dobo’s chances of making the top eight,” Abavu said.

Varage said Junior Belo had also indicated his return as well after his Gulf Isapea commitments. 

“As long as we make the cut for the play-offs, we may by then have our other Digicel Cup players in Josiah Abavu, Larsen Marabe, Adam Korave and Sebastian Pandia from the Vipers and Bland Abavu from the Enga Mioks to strengthen our finals hopes,” he added.

He also appealed for the return of Johns Niesi, Jerry Kuri, Fred Silas, Junior Steven and Lapi Henry.

Varage at this stage is looking to current senior players in Dom Kamal, Garp Kume and Nick Onno to lead the way against the Panthers.

Fixtures: Royals v Brothers, Hawks v Tarangau, Souths v Butterflies, Eagles v Storm, Puma vs Tigers and West v Flies.