Tigers out to make amends

THE Lae Snax Tigers are more determined than ever to wrap up the Digicel Cup’s minor premiership when they host the Simbu Lions on Sunday.
Stung by their 20-16 loss to the Gulf Isapea last week, Stanley Tepend’s side are eyeing a convincing win over the lowly Lions in their Round 16 fixture at the Lae Rugby League Oval to close out the season.
Despite having the home ground advantage the Tigers can expect vocal support for the visitors from Lae resident Simbu community, who will be expected to come out in numbers to see their side for the last time in 2016.
Tigers team manager Tim Rodgers told The National yesterday that training had been good all week and aside from winning the major title, the club was pleased to be clinching its third minor premiership in as many years.
‘We’re very aware of the importance of this game against the Lions and we’re ready to give it everything,” Rodgers said.
He said the side was at full strength and added that last week’s loss to the Isapea was the wake up call they needed before the finals.
“We’re into the business end of the year now and the loss really hit us but we’ve worked on the areas we were weak in and we’re looking forward to Sunday’s game.”
Rodgers said the side had to deal with adversity last week when back-rower David Loko was sent off for punching a Gulf player.
He said they had to play with 12 men for most of the second half but they had taken a lot of positives from the expereince.
A decision on Loko was yet to be returned from the PNG NRL judiciary but it is unlikely Loko will take the field on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Isapea face the daunting task of beating the Goroka Lahanis at the Sir Danny Leah Oval to have any chance of sneaking into the top five.
The Isapea, who have had their best season in the semi-professional competition since entering in 2010, could make the finals with a win over the second last Lahanis.
The Gulf side beat the Lahanis 24-4 in Round 5 but face Goroka side who have found form having won their last two matches against the Waghi Tumbe (28-18) and the Port Moresby Vipers (16-8).
Regardless of form, the equation is simple for coach Norris Selu’s men: they must win and win well in Eastern Highlands.
The Lahanis are also looking to end the season on a positive note after a poor campaign in 2016 which saw the side look likely to claim the wooden spoon at one stage as well as rumours their major sponsor would pull out in 2017.
The Mendi Muruks and Waghi Tumbe are the other Top five contenders heading into the final round needing a win to confirm their finals spots.
The Agmark Gurias and Enga Mioks are assured of finals spots.
Fixtures: Rd 16 – Sun, July 30: Tigers v Lions, Lahanis v Isapea, Muruks v Wigmen, Tumbe v Mioks, Vipers v Gurias. Bye: Eagles.