Talita yet to pick up form

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen’s Stanford Talita is yet to regain the form that saw the Papua New Guinea nines international take out the club’s player of the year last season, says an official.
The former SP Hunters training squad member played two games at centre after he returned to Digicel Cup action in their 12-26 round-five loss to the Port Moresby Vipers.
He then came off the bench in their 14-6 round-seven win over Waghi Tumbe before starting in the back row in their 24-14 victory against the Central Dabaris in Port Moresby on Sunday.
“I think he is yet to regain his 2019 form,” coach Wabo said of Talita, who suited up for PNG at last year’s Rugby league World Cup Nines after helping the Wigmen reach the grand final.
“He got off to a slow start in his first two games but he is now picking up the pace.
“After watching him in the first two weeks of his return, I decided to play him off the bench.
“With his big frame and talent, I thought we could use him as extra firepower off the bench and it paid dividends against Tumbe.
“He came on in the second half, and boosted our right edge and maintained the intensity until fulltime.
“I’m confident that he’ll be back to his best soon because he is working hard at training and I’m happy with how he has carried himself.”
Meanwhile, Wabo said he was happy with Solomon Pokari’s return to halfback and Tony Wemin coming off the bench.
“Finals football is nearing but I also want to give an opportunity to my players on the extended bench who have not had played much this season,” he said.
“But for the finals, I’ll field my best side.”
Wabo said centre Gilmo Paul sprained his ankle after scoring a try on Sunday.
“I don’t want my first-choice players to sustain injuries,” he said.
“I only took Paul off after noticing him limping.
“We don’t want to take any risks but I am sure he’ll be alright for our next match.”
The Wigmen travel to Kokopo to face the Rabaul Gurias in round nine at Kalabond Oval on Saturday (2pm kick-off).