Vipers aim to make history in Southern league grand final

PORT Moresby Vipers Academy will aim to make history when they meet Moresby South Blacks in tomorrow’s inaugural Southern Super League National Gaming Control Board Cup grand final (3pm kick-off).
Should the Moni Plus-sponsored minor premiers triumph at Moresby South Stadium, they will have gone the entire season undefeated in the country’s second-tier rugby league competition.
The winners will receive K60,000 and the Cup while the runners-up will settle for K30,000 and a trophy.
Vipers coach Godfrey Luke praised the consistency of his men all season.
“I am thrilled that I have developed a young side who are ready for the step-up to our first-grade team,” he said yesterday.
“All I have to do now is to win the grand final to prove that my youngsters are capable of joining our Digicel Cup squad.
“I know Blacks are going to give us a tough match, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We are definitely looking forward to winning the game.”
Luke said his men were passionate about the jersey and rugby league in general.
“This is the attitude that I want moving forward,” he said.
“I urge city residents to come and support the young Vipers.”
Some of the most consistent players for the Vipers are Menso Laki, Simon Kaman, Joel Gena, Charlie Gabriel and Simon Arana.
Luke said he was expecting Laki, Kaman, Gena and centre Theo Boas, the younger sibling of Ase and Watson, to have a solid game.
Blacks coach David Belo will count on captain Michael Yanis, Joe Omaro, Brandon Somavi and Johnny Ephraim to gain the ascendency up the middle.
In the backs, Junior Hoki, Frazer Anderson and Terence Wemin will be expected to combine well with wingers Joshua Winnie and Henry Marai Jr.
Meanwhile, Luke urged all Digicel Cup franchises to form development teams like the Vipers.