Wigmen start trials

By PATRICIA KEAMO
DIGICEL Cup champions Hela Wigmen have kicked off pre-season training with their first trial match held on Monday for selections for the upcoming season.
They completed scouting for new talents as early as December as part of an effort to fill the void created by the departure of seven of their players who joined the SP Hunters for the upcoming Queensland Intrust Super Cup season.
“The title defence is our top priority and we will ensure that we field a competitive team,” Wigmen chief executive Patrick Wundai told The National yesterday.
“We have filled the void.
“Fortunately, Valentine Culligan pulled out of the Hunters squad due to study commitments, so he is with us now.”
The Wigmen recruited players from the National Capital District Governor’s Cup, Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup, Port Moresby Rugby Football League and competitions in Hela. “We have three big leagues in Hela — Hela, Koroba and Komo — which have been running effectively over the years and that’s where our players are scouted from,” Wundai said.
“A quarter of the team comprises players from Hela where we invest in leagues, support clubs and sponsor competitions.”
He said the new players had underwent a development programme before being picked via a strict selection process.
Wundai said the recruitment of players was done through observations from independent selectors in Hela and Southern Highlands, and the coaching staff.
“We’ve got about 50 players who were divided into two teams for Monday’s trial,” he said.
“After that, we scaled down to 40 players.
Wundai said there would be more trials by the end of the month or next month before the final squad was announced.