Veteran halves to face off in Digicel Cup clash

TWO former PNG Hunters Vipers Atte Bina Wabo and Mioks Roger Laka are set to face off as opposing five-eighths at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
The pressure will be on the duo to lead their sides to victory with each bringing their own individual styles to the game.
Laka’s kicking game and organizational skills are in contrast to Wabo’s great running game and his short kicking game.
Both men bring a wealth of experience to the clash with Laka, a 2013 World Cup squad member, while not as big a defender as Wabo, considered a better play-maker able to finesse a backline and maximize the talent on the edges.
Wabo on the other hand is capable of moments of individual brilliance with the veteran Digicel Cup campaigner able to use his physicality and knack for scoring tries to pose a threat to opposition defences from close range.
While seen to be winding down their careers, both men still have something to offer and are expected to have an impact on Sunday’s clash.
Wabo was recalled by Vipers coach Joe Sipa to add experience and a point of difference on attack and so far the city hall side has reaped the rewards with back to back wins.
Moresby North East MP John Kaupa challenged the Vipers to win their home games after their 38-8 victory over the Gulf Isou in round 6 and Sipa’s men followed it up with a 26-16 win over the Hela Wigmen last Saturday.
The round 8 fixture, will see Laka’s Mioks hoping to secure their eighth win on the trot in a great season so far.
Mioks coach Timothy Lepa will not rely solely on Laka’s generalship and tactical nous but needs his pack to set a platform to launch the Engan backline at the Vipers.
Captain Supa Kokote and veteran props Esau Siune and Mark Mexico are expected to be a handful for the Vipers pack but after last week’s effort where the Port Moresby side managed to repel a powerful Wigmen pack led by Timothy Loami, Benji Hetra and Nixon Kolo, the Mioks will need to stay focused from start to finish.