Tigers beat Tumbe 28-8

THE Tigers kicked off their Digicel Cup title defence with a 28-8 win over the visiting Waghi Tumbe at the Lae Rugby League Ground in the Morobe capital yesterday.
Despite the win, coach Stanley Tepend said they could not afford to be complacent with the other 11 teams in the competition looking to topple the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side.
“We know the spotlight is on us so we can’t be complacent,” he said.
“We need to keep working harder.”
Fullback Joe Joshua, Roderick Tai, John Andy, Edwin Ipape, Butler Morris and vice-captain Tiger Emere scored a try each for the hosts.
“We can’t deny the fact that every team is focused on us and that’s good but we just have to be focused on ourselves by keeping our standards high,” Tepend said.
“Each year, everyone starts on equal footing and it doesn’t mean that being the defending champions puts us ahead of everyone.
“What it only does is it sets a bigger target on us.
“We know all the teams are better and smarter in the new season.
“There are changes in coaches, squads, and the inclusion of SP Hunters and former Kumuls players so they competition is a lot tougher this year.”