Tumbe to keep ’21 squad

By PARKER TAMBUA
WAGHI Tumbe say they will announce a 30-man train-on squad at the end of the month for the new Digicel Cup season.
Tumbe chairman Paul Tumun told The National yesterday that they would retain all their players from last season except for SP Hunters pre-season squad members Jesse Mathew and Francis Kembis.
He said the club’s target for this year was to go one better than last year and win their maiden title in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“Everyone from last season will be retained and that includes the entire coaching staff and management,” Tumun said.
“Our goal is to win the premiership.
“We came so close last season and it was heartbreaking, but we want to make sure we finish as champions in 2022.” Tumun said champions Lae Tigers were still the team to beat despite them losing their key players and coach Stanley Tepend to the SP Hunters in the offseason.
“We respect every team, but we are confident we can beat them,” he said.
“The only team we still have to dominate are the Tigers.
“Our aim is to beat them in the regular season and the finals.
“If we can do that then there is no doubt we can win the title.” Meanwhile, Tumun brushed aside Gulf Isou’s recent train-on squad announcement which featured Tumbe halfback David Joseph.
“Joseph did not join Gulf Isou,” he said.
“He is here and is still in contact with us (Tumbe).
The chairman said Joseph was one of Tumbe’s key players who was expected to lead the team in the coming season.