Tigers not taking Cutters matchup lightly on Sunday

By PARKER TAMBUA
DEFENDING champions Tigers will host Kimbe Cutters in their round-13 Digicel Cup clash at the Lae Rugby League Ground on Sunday.
The Lucas Samak-coached Cutters were narrowly beaten by minor premiers Mendi Muruks at Sir Peter Humphrey’s Oval in Kimbe last Saturday.
The in-form visitors have won four of their last six games.
Coach Oscar Tonga’s Tigers will look to double last Sunday’s efforts which saw them escape with a 21-20 win over Central Dabaris, thanks to Joshua Mire’s late field goal.
Tonga said last week that his Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored men would need to improve their defence for the remainder of the season.
“We narrowly escaped with a win over the Dabaris,” he said.
“But we will need to improve in defence for our next match.
“We are progressing well so far in the season, but there are still a lot of areas that need improvement.
“The finals are near, so we are taking each game as they come in the regular season.
“Our aim is to reach the grand final.
“But we have to put in better performances in the coming weeks,” Tonga said.
The Tigers will bank on their Tommy Moide-led pack to help Emil Benjamin set the platform for their backs.
Mire’s combination with half-back Milex Winis and fullback Sunny Wabo will be crucial to the Tigers’ attack.
For the West New Britain-government sponsored Cutters, they are only three points shy of the top-six, so each remaining game is important one if they are to make the finals for the first time since joining the competition in 2019.
The Cutters will aim to cause an upset away from home in order to remain in contention for a spot in the finals.