Tigers eyeing fourth crown

THREE-time Digicel Cup champions Lae Tigers will appear for the sixth time in a grandfinal as they face a fast finishing Waghi Tumbe in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Coach Stanley Tepend said he was aware of the Jiwaka team’s hunger for a maiden title and promised his side would not be complacent in any area.
Tepend told The National that after several players left them at the start of the season Tigers fans were unsure if the club could maintain their premiership credentials but the side had been consistent over the 11-round regular season with only two blemishes, a 16-20 loss to the Vipers in round 7 and a 4-8 loss to the Muruks in round 10.
“Performance wise they had doubt but as in everything there has to be some players leaving,” he said.
“I think rugby players spend about six to seven years (at their best) and out of those years it’s about three or four years at their peak,” he said.
“We had to make changes and everyone at the start probably didn’t see us finishing as minor premiers and grand finalist but credit to the boys, the preparation was really the key for us during the preseason in January.
“Our focus in January got us here and not what happen in the season that was important for us.”
Tepend said the Tigers had lost several key men in fullback Joe Joshua and five-eighth Edwin Ipape as well as forward Tiger Emere but the club was able to slot in replacements that had maintained their quality and style of football.
He singled out half Mark Tony as a key retention for the side.
Tepend said the 2021 season had been one of the toughest seasons despite its length (11 rounds) as this had given his side little time to build combinations and gain momentum.
The side, however, not only managed to play consistently good football, winning nine from 11 in the regular season, but claimed the minor premiership before edging the Mendi Muruks 14-10 in the major semifinal in week two.
“We’re really grateful that we finished in the top two which was our target. The minor premiership was just a bonus and we are lucky to qualify for the grandfinal.
“The Tumbe are coming on with momentum but hopefully we can stop them by starting strong, managing our game well. I trust our boys, I trust our way and we’ll be right on Sunday.”
Tepend said his side had the advantage of having played in several grand finals and would rely on its experienced campaigners in Tony and forward Junior Rop to lead from the front.