Tigers eye rebound

Gebbie overlooked again, Puara returns to hooker

By PARKER TAMBUA
REIGNING champions Lae Tigers will look to rebound from two straight Digicel Cup losses when they face minor premiers Rabaul Gurias in Sunday’s major semifinal in Port Moresby (1pm kick-off).
On the line will be the first berth for the Oct 18 grand final at Sir John Guise Stadium with the losers playing the minor-semifinal winners next Sunday for the remaining spot in the big dance.
Sunday’s minor semifinal at Sir John Guise Stadium will see last year’s runners-up Hela Wigmen look to keep their title hopes alive when they face a formidable Port Moresby Vipers outfit (3.30pm).
For the Tigers, it hasn’t been an ideal lead-up to the finals but coach Stanley Tepend’s men will be looking to put their two-straight losses behind them with a big statement against the in-form Gurias.
Papua New Guinea representative and former South Sydney Rabbitoh Edene Gebbie has again been left out of the Tigers’ 17 with former Kumul Tepend opting for stability as has been the case all season.
Tepend has shifted Joe Joshua from centre to his regular fullback role while Buttler Morris and Enoch Sine have been named as replacements for Sonny Wabo and Anderson Benford on the wings.
PNG utility Edwin Ipape, who played at five-eighth in the loss to the Vipers a fortnight ago, drops to the bench with Charlie Simon partnering Mark Tony in the halves. The Tigers’ pack features Roy Kela, SP Hunter Mark Pitti, Tiger Emere, Junior Rop and Ismael Balkawa.
Gurias captain Watson Boas said earlier in the week that his pack, which includes Jordan Pat, Epel Kapinias, Tuvi Lepan, Edward Goma and Ila Alu, were ready to match the Tigers.
Kumul Wartovo Puara Jr, who has been playing at five-eighth all season, returns to his usual hooking role at the expense of Stanley Olo who drops to the bench.
Gurias coach Marcus Kaugla has named one-time Central Dabaris pivot Allan Simbiri in the halves alongside former SP Hunter Boas.
Gurias: Terry Wapi, Lucas Kapinias, Eliakim Lukara, John Ragi Jnr, Konnie Bernard, Allan Simbiri, Watson Boas, Jordan Pat, Wartovo Puara Jr, Epel Kapinias, Tuvi Lepan, Ila Alu, Stanley Olo, Silas Gahuna, Baddy Jack, Isaac Patrick.
Tigers: Joe Joshua, Enoch Sine, Jokedi Bire, Roderick Tai, Buttler Morris, Charlie Simon, Mark Tony, Roy Kela, Noel Joel, Mark Pitti, Tiger Emere, Junior Rop, Ismael Balkawa, Edwin Ipape, Sylvester Namo, John Andy, Nickson Waki.