Tigers new assistant tipped as x-factor for title defence

LAE Tigers mentor Oscar Tonga says Charlie Wabo’s recruitment as his assistant coach will be crucial to their title defence as the fourth-placed reigning champions look to climb the ladder.
Sunday’s 21-10 win over Central Dabaris was 2020 Digicel Cup premiership-winning Hela Wigmen coach Wabo’s first match in the role at the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side.
Tonga had been assisting three-time premiership winning coach Stanley Tepend over the past eight seasons before taking over the role this year following the Kumuls legend’s departure to the SP Hunters.
Former Papua New Guinea internationals Tepend and Paul Aiton are assistants to SP Hunters head coach Matthew Church in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup.
“I’ve been without an assistant coach since becoming the head coach for this season,” Tonga said.
“I’ve struggled at times but it’s a relief to now have Wabo at the Tigers.
“Charlie was an experienced player in his time. He also won a premiership as a rookie Digicel Cup coach for the Wigmen and they beat us in the grand final.
“So I’m excited to work with him at the Tigers. I know he’ll add a lot to our game, given his experience.
“So it will be good for some our young players to learn from him.”
Tonga said his men were aiming to go deep into the top-six finals despite suffering a number of losses so far this season.
“Our main goal is to retain the title,” he said.
“But we know we have to work hard in the remaining games of the season.
“Hopefully, we can record more wins and build into the finals.”