Tarum backs Karana

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Vipers coach Leonard Tarum believes he has found a playmaker to fill the void left by Ase Boas and a partner to complement halfback Karis Peter.
Tarum told The National on Sunday that he was impressed with Simon Karana, a new recruit from Tarangau in the Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL).
He said Karana played well for the Vipers second team in their 26-0 win over Gulf Isou’s second team in their trial match at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday.
“We scouted Karana from POMRFL last year when he was playing with Tarangau,” Tarum said.
“He led Tarangau to the grand final and he contributed to their title win.
“With the departure of many of our players to the Hunters, we were on the lookout for players who could fill the vacated positions.
“We knew Karana had the talent and given the departure of Boas, we gave him some trial time to prove himself and he has certainly done that.
“I think he will combine well with Karis in the halves.
“He was good in Vipers team two win on Sunday.
“He can manage the game and really coordinate the attack when given the ball.
“I think he will only get better and I cannot wait to see him debut this season.”
Meanwhile, Tarum said former SP Hunter Dilbert Isaac had his first game after being out of the sport for over a year due to illness.
“Dilbert just played his first game on Sunday,” he said.
“We didn’t give him any game time in our previous trials.
“But it turned out that Dilbert still has it and he played well.
“He just needs more game time to get match fit but apart from that, he looks good and I believe he will perform well this year.”