Vipers name 30-man squad

By KEVIN TEME
LAST year’s premiership contenders Stop N Shop Vipers are aiming for a better season this year by naming a 30-man squad after a trial match last Friday.
After finishing in the top five in the inter-city cup last season, they are eager to regain some lost pride.
They have kept most of their young players and have built on them over the past two years.
With the services of former Brisbane Broncos development officer Shane Morris as head coach, the Vipers are determined to make a breakthrough in winning the ultimate prize. 
The sponsor and the Vipers board members have welcomed the services of Morris, who has been in the country for a while.
There are nine new faces who will be fighting for spots in the final 25, which will be announced before the April 15 deadline.
Former SBS Muruks and PNG Kumul fullback Joshua Poria is among the nine new contenders.
In releasing the 30-man squad yesterday, assistant coach Paul Komboi said having Morris’ services was a bonus to the side.
Komboi said he would also bring into the club the skills and drills that the franchise knows will help a lot for the players this season.
“We have maintained our young side and we will still build them as time goes by. We have also brought in nine new faces to prove themselves,” he said.
“I am learning a lot from him and it is good to have him with us,” Komboi said of Morris.
Komboi is urging the players to turn up this afternoon for a briefing.
The squad: Bobby Mori, Zachary Simbai, Sebastian Pandia, Steven John, Noel Joel, Dick Nap, Roger Laka, Peter Paulus, Felix Tangue, Kevin Frank, Eki Ene, Elijah Riyong, Joshua Abavu, Timothy Komane, Philip Kumye, Stanley Korowa, Sebulon Junior Ragi, David Keia, Chris Vani, Terry Kaupa, Doura Lohia, Joshua Poria and Toua Koh.