Tigers out to maul weakened Muruks

 By GABRIEL LAHOC

A DISMANTLED Mendi Muruks are rough chances to upset Digicel Cup competition leaders Lae Snax Tigers in Lae on Sunday. 

Muruks, who are past cup champions and one of the stronger sides are now a shadow of their former  selves sitting 8th spot on the ladder after a luckless run in the last five rounds of the competition.

Since being relocated to Mendi from Lae where they were previously based, the Muruks have so far lost three and drawn two. Their last match was a 4-4 draw with the Hela Wigman in Mendi.

The Tigers on the other hand may be the dark horse of the competition and can secure a playoff spot if they maintain their strong form which has seen the side play with more confidence, skill and discipline.

Despite their round three 24-6 loss to last year’s premiers Agmark Rabaul Gurias in Kokopo, the Stanley Tepend-coached side has turned the Lae rugby league ground into the “Tigers den” where they have won four matches in a row.

Tepend and his management have stressed that the Tigers are focusing on one match at a time and so far the approach seems to be working.

The new combination of the Tigers forward pack is one of the their key areas featuring the starting five in props Mogi Wei Junior and Petero Sanivalu, second-rowers Elvis Dick and captain Sydney Fred and lock Ishmael Balkawa.

Former Muruks workhorse Roy Kela is expected to start from the bench along with Rex Reto and Kemi Yol.

Hooker Noel Joel like last weekend will join forces with half-back Ate Bine Wabo and five-eighth Walter Hasu and the trio are expected to direct the Tigers backline which features gamebreakers Thompson Teteh and George Benson.

The ensuing match in the next round will see Tigers again hosting the Bingtagor Goroka Lahanis.