Varage stays as head of Dobos

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Wednesday 27th March, 2013

KOIARI community leaders have resolved to retain Dobo Warriors club president Wari Varage to defend their Port Moresby Rugby Football League premiership title this season.
The decision was made during a meeting of all Koiari community leaders from Mount Koiari, Sirunumu Dam, Sogeri Koiari, Lower Sogeri and Rigo Koiari on Sunday.
The meeting was staged to resolve an ongoing tussle for the president’s position, where several club members have been eying the seat in the absence of Varage.
Varage, who delivered the club their first A grade premiership last season after 17 years, has been busy out of the city on business and has not been able to attend to club issues since last year.
That led to several club officials making their intention known to take over the running of the club, despite being in the off-season.
This led to a club revolt among a number of A grade players who have not aligned themselves with the club so far this season.
That saw half of the premiership winning team of last year not running on for the Warriors in the opening match of the POMRFL season against Hanuabada Hawks on the weekend.
The players include PNG Residents XIII full-back Josiah Abavu and his brothers Anthony and Bland, Junior Belo, Vipers front-man Sebastian Pandia, Johns Niesi and Larson Marabe.
Club spokesman Geoffrey Meia said the Koiari community wanted Varage to be given the opportunity to take the club to defend last year’s premiership.
“Varage’s leadership style has brought new life in the Koiari youths who have gained a lot of confidence in the club winning not only the A grade but the B grade premierships as well,” he said.
 “This club was formed at the village level and thus have the authority to decide on the future of the club,” he said.
The community leaders named a permanent selection committee that will be headed by Meia as chairman.