Vipers named

REIGNING Digicel Cup rugby league champions Port Moresby Vipers have named Hunters rejects Charlie Wabo and Enoch Maki along with World Cup Kumuls Josiah Abavu and Richard Kambo among 11 new faces for their title defence.
The Stop N Shop-sponsored Vipers franchise management have also left out veteran prop Steven Johns, winger Elijah Riyong and backrower Bobby Mori.
It is understood that the management has strict guidelines on commitment and in particular discipline on and off the field, which is believed to be the reason several players have missed the cut. 
Vipers coach Leonard Tarum said all players selected by the management was on merit and it is now up to them to prove themselves.
Tarum agreed that their star players who left for greener pastures have huge shoes to fill, but was confident that depth in the Port Moresby Rugby League will cater for that void.
“We still have 11 from last year’s winning team, so that’s a plus for the cohesion and planning for what we expect of them,” he said.
From the new faces, they include Magani skipper Tabal Henry, Brothers wiry half Tony Wemin, Defence line-breaker Nicko Dom, Hohola off-season league star John Andy, Hanuabada Hawks utility Nao Boge and promising UPNG student Ham Tina.  
Tarum said John Andy from Hohola was a surprise pick as was never in contention, but during the trials at Ipi Park he filled in for someone who didn’t turn-up and from there won his selection on merit.
Tarum said several promising players missed out as they could only accommodate 22, but indicated some will be on standby for injuries as the season progresses.
Tarum said the squad must attend training at Unagi Oval this afternoon to start preparation for the season kick-off in two weeks.     
The 2014 Port Moresby Vipers squad: Josiah Abavu, Stagroth Amean, Nicko Dom, Lawrence Kuso Jnr, Jolam Jerry, William Mone, Sebulon Ragi Jnr, Toney Wemin, Felix Kawage, Stanley Torato, Rex Maima, Dick Nap, Enoch Maki, Samuel Koim, Charlie Wabo, Tobby Kopi, Richard Kambo, Tala Kami, Nao Boge, Ham Tina, John Andy, Tabal Henry.
The assistant coach is former Kumul full-back Philip Boge, trainer Eto Kavora and team manager Jack Kedea.