Tigers favoured at PRL

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

PREMIERSHIP aspirants the Lae Tigers are coming to the nation’s capital to press their claim against  the Gulf Isapea in Round 8 of the Digicel Cup at the Lloyd Robson Oval.

The Lae-based outfit is making only their second away trip since Round 3 when they had their first loss against champions Rabaul Gurias in Kokopo.

They have won all their home matches with one draw last week against the Lahanis of Goroka.

A bulky pack with Sydney Fred, Magi Wei Jnr, Elvis Dick and Fijian Petero Sunivalu are certain to monster a home side, missing prop Nixon Kolo (suspended).

The Tigers should dictate terms through their halves combination in Ate Bine Wabo and Walter Hasu and “new” Thomson Teteh.

However Isapea coach Nigel Hukula knows a bit about the Lahanis connection in the Tigers, and certainly will be pressing the discipline issue for his crocodiles if they are to make an impression on the competition leaders.

In Wabag, Hela Wigmen coach Stanley Hondina knows on experience that there is no easy road in or out of the Enga capital.

In Mount Hagen, Port Moresby Vipers winger Gary Lo will be back at his former hunting ground when they travel up to meet the luckless Wamp Nga Eagles.

The Eagles are desperate to win and whilst the form of the Vipers suggest they will be hard to beat, the home-ground advantage prove otherwise.

In Kokopo, another cricket score is looming with the Gurias set to open the flood-gates against the visiting Simbu Lions at the Kalabond Oval.

In Mendi, the good form of the Lahanis should get them over the struggling Mendi Muruks at the Joe Keviame Oval.