Strong season tipped

Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
DEFENDING champions Lae Tigers are anticipating one of the strongest seasons in Digicel Cup history given the inclusion of SP Hunters and Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) players.
Tigers owner Ian Chow told The National on Friday that the ISC season cancellation over the Covid-19 pandemic would allow players from the Hunters and other Queensland teams to boost local franchises.
He said Hunters trio Mark Piti, Junior Rop and Charlie Simon would return to the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side to boost their title defence.
“If the season kicks off, I believe it will be one of the most competitive campaigns we have seen,” Chow said.
“We are expecting the Tigers players to return from the Hunters for this season.
“Other teams will also be a given a boost by their ISC players.
“We are expecting teams like the Rabaul Gurias, Enga Mioks and Waghi Tumbe to have strong campaigns with the return of their ISC players.
“It will be one of the best seasons.
“Let’s hope the Covid-19 situation improves for the Digicel Cup to kick off.”
Next year’s Rugby League World Cup will also provide motivation for players as they push for spots in coach Michael Marum’s Papua New Guinea Kumuls squad.
Chow said the Tigers were hoping to resume camp soon but it would hinge on the advice of the Papua New Guinea Rigby Football League and the state of emergency controller.
Meanwhile, franchises like the Mendi Muruks, Waghi Tumbe and the Port Moresby Vipers have recruited Hunters players for the upcoming Digicel Cup.
Muruks coach Roderick Puname has secured the services of Hunters pair Stanton Albert and Roy Ellison, and Central Queensland Capras forward McKenzie Yei.
The Vipers are expected to have the services of Kumuls back Stargroth Amean, and Hunters’ Enoch Maki, Shane Haro, Kevin Appo, Patrick Morea and Brandon Gotuno.
Earlier this year, Tumbe announced the signing of Hunters’ Baundo Aba, Emmanuel Waine, Casey Dickson and Joe Frank.