TNA Lions players face strict rules

By KEVIN TEME
CHIMBU franchise club TNA Lions are making their final preparations before naming their squad for the Digicel Cup challenge starting on April 15.
Franchise owner Gerard Philip has come down hard on his selectors to pick players on merit.
Selectors have been using the franchise owner’s yard to scrutinise the selection of their players after the TNA off-season Cup grand final last weekend.
The selectors are using a point system ranging from two to four – the more points the player earns, the better chances of him getting selected.
However, the selectors will pick 56 players which will be pooled into two teams to fight for the 22 spots in the final squad.
Notable players Sonny Daing, Jacky Kuman, Willie Guambo, Moxcii Kee are favourites but they have to prove their worth to secure a spot in the squad. 
“Spots are still up for grabs. Players should discipline themselves on and off the field. If I see or hear any bad news from any of the players selected, they will be dropped from the team,” Philip warned.
“I do not tolerate nepotism (Wantok system). This will not be in my team. Everybody taking part in the TNA off-season competition will be given a chance to prove they are worthy to be selected. Therefore we will run the trial on Sunday for every player to prove they really want the spot.”
Philip said the aim of the franchise club was to develop and promote youths.
“We want to promote a safe environment which is free of violence. It should promote the spirit of fair play and community participation,” Philip said.
Meanwhile, former Simbu Warriors captain George Baker said for the past three weeks of competition leading up to the finals spectators experienced a peaceful event at the Dickson rugby league oval in Kundiawa.