Vipers announce squad

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE National Capital District Commission-sponsored Port Moresby Vipers have announced a 35-man squad for the Digicel Cup season which kicks off next month.
Club chairman doctor Newton Albert, and board member and Pacific Corporate Security managing director Jacob Kaupa made the team announcement at the City Hall Annex in Port Moresby yesterday.
Albert said the Leonard Tarum-coached Vipers were made up of players selected from all the leagues in the city to restore the pride of the city franchise and they were satisfied to announce the team after last weekend’s selection trials involving eight teams from Moresby South, Motu-Koita, Koiari, Port Moresby Rugby League and Moresby Suburban.
“We have talents from all corners of the city,” Albert said.
“The board had a headache to come with the squad but we are happy that we have gone through all the processes to pick the best from the best in pool of talents in the city.
“The Vipers are a pathway for players to make it to the SP Hunters and Papua New Guinea Kumuls. That is why we’ve struggled over the years when we lose our star players. Our aim now is to give our best this year to restore the brand and pride of the Port Moresby Vipers.”
Albert thanked the NCD Governor Powes Parkop for continuing to support the franchise.
He said medical checks would be done today at the Sir John Guise Stadium before the team kick off their first training session.
Vipers: Tony Wemin, Rex Tandowa, Reiyo Rex, Morgan Mong, Mathew Wawe, Karis Peter, Manu Kame, Peter Numapo, Ade Kawa, Yoks Bagawe, Kambi Ingiman, Benjamin Timothy, Aaron Kamba, Joel Kee, Presley Soto, Junior Yambi, Isaiah James, Iru Dikana, Steven Pat, Julius Yakopa, Philemon Taim, Senis William, Bob Gore, Michael Chris, Yaki Benjamin, Goratove Ori, Junior Kevau, Michael Naime, Gary Parai, Stainer Steven, Cedric Buna, Mal Hilton, Peter Mondo, Joel Tapi.