Tigers to play for Sir Henry

THE Lae Tigers will dedicate their Melanesian Cup match against Fiji’s Nadi Aviators this weekend to Sir Henry Chow.
Sir Henry, owner of the Lae Biscuit Company, the club’s major sponsor through their Snax brand, passed away at the beginning of the year.
Sir Henry, pictured, and sons Ian and Fabian had helped form the new franchise in 2011 after the demise of the Lae Bombers.
After earning the minor premiership three seasons in a row (2014, 2015 and 2016), Sir Henry had the pleasure of watching his team claim their maiden Digicel Cup title last season with a 14-12 win over the Agmark Gurias in Port Moresby.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chief executive Reatau Rau commended the gesture on behalf of his chairman Sandis Tsaka when handing over the Melanesian Cup to Tigers sponsor Ian Chow yesterday.
“In act of recognition of our heritage and families and supporters, the PNGRFL and Lae Snax Tigers have decided to dedicate this match to honour a staunch and dedicated supporter of rugby league in PNG and franchise owner of Tigers, the late Sir Henry Chow, OBE, who passed away recently,” Tsaka said in a statement.
“To honour late Sir Henry, the Snax Tigers will wear black armbands and we request that a minutes silence be observed by both teams prior to kick off.”
Tsaka said the match would not only showcased the elite rugby league talent from the two countries but was also a celebration of their Melanesian heritage.
“Hopefully we can build and grow our ‘people to people’ relations through our shared love for rugby league,” Tsaka said.
“I hope that as both teams assemble in Fiji for the match, that they take some time to appreciate each other’s stories, customs and embrace our common heritage, learn from each other and hopefully form friendships that go beyond the football field and the weekend.”
Tsaka congratulated the two champion teams – Lae Snax Tigers and Nadi Aviators for earning the right to play the annual Melanesian Club Championship fixture.
He encouraged both sides to represent their countries, leagues, supporters, fans and families with pride and honour. “A great football rivalry will be showcased on field and will be of the highest standard as we have come to expect from both teams and I am sure it will be a memorable event for all to enjoy,” Tsaka said.
Rau will not be able to attend the match but the PNGRFL will be represented by senior directors Don Fox and Gwaibo Mairi.
The Gurias won the inaugural match in Port Moresby in 2015 thrashing the Sabeto Roosters 42-2 at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
The Aviators, who have been in preparation for the match since the New Year will host the clash at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka at 5pm (PNG time).
Ian Chow, when receiving the cup, said his family appreciated the gesture to honour their father and urged the Tigers to do their best to return the trophy to PNG.
The Tigers squad arrived in Port Moresby on Tuesday and held a joint training session with the PNG Hunters at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
They travel to Fiji today and return on Monday.
Tigers coach Stanley Tepend said his side were ready to face the Aviators on Saturday and he was confident they would hold their own against the Fiji champions.
Lae Tigers: 1. Robert Vuai 2. Enoch Sine 3. Charles Martin 4. Pasu Awane 5. Anderson Benford 6. Charlie Simon (c) 7. Mafu Kalas 8. Timothy Lomai 9. Noel Joel 10. Junior Rop 11. David Loko 12. Bernard Lama 13. John Andy; Reserves: 14. Wessa Tenza 15. Warren Glare 16. Ali Pinda 17. Ryan Kiso