Vipers recruit Tirang – The National

**Papua New Guinea’s William Tirang tackling Spain’s Igor Genua during the Sydney World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in 2018.**

By MICHAEL PHILIP
PORT Moresby Vipers have secured the services of Papua New Guinea sevens international William Tirang for the 2022 Digicel Cup season, according to coach Joe Sipa.
The 26-year-old was scouted by the Vipers while playing for Brothers in the Sports Tok Sevens rugby union tournament and Laumas in the Southern Super League National Gaming Control Board Cup in Port Moresby.
Sipa told The National that a lack of height and weight on the wing had been a major concern for his Moni Plus-sponsored side in the country’s premier rugby league competition last season.
“We had a tough season especially on the wing,” he said.
“But wingers Brendon Bigam and Ben Wemin did well.

**Port Moresby Vipers have high hopes for William Tirang in the new Digicel Cup season. – Getty Images**

“For next season, we’ve secured William Tirang.
“He has been undergoing pre-season training for the last three weeks since we scouted him from Laumas.
“The inclusion of Tirang will boost our backline and add more experience to the side.
“We have high hopes for him in the new season.”
The Pukpuks flyer helped Brothers to the Sports Tok title and before he linked up with Laumas.
Sipa said they were also looking to recruit rugby union players and not just league talents.
“We can’t scout men who play rugby league only,” he said.
“We must also look to rugby union and that’s where we have seen the potential of Tirang playing with Brothers in the Sports Tok Sevens.

**Papua New Guinea sevens international William Tirang has switched to rugby league as he prepares with the Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers for the new Digicel Cup season.**

“We know that talented players like Tirang can make a big impact in rugby league when they switch from rugby union.
“It’s great to have Tirang in the camp as we will have a lot of good players to boost our backline next season.”
Vipers and Papua New Guinea Kumuls legend Sipa said Tirang would boost their finishing with the East New Briton now primed for the second phase of pre-season training from Jan 10.
“We need guys who have the strength, height and weight,” he said.
“Players with these attributes are crucial to any team.
“We realised that we needed a player like Tirang, who is a reliable finisher in any backline.
“With his experience and the talent, Tirang will give us a huge boost for the upcoming campaign.”