Wigmen, Tigers do battle

Digicel Cup grandfinalists look to snap title drought

SUNDAY’S grand final between the Lae Tigers and the Hela Wigmen (3pm kick-off) in Port Moresby is expected to be a good, old-fashioned slugfest as both sides look to reclaim the Digicel Cup.
For the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored Tigers, it is their fourth grand final appearance, having last won the country’s premier competition in 2017.
For the Kroton-backed Wigmen, it will be their second grand final appearance, having won the Cup in 2014.
With droughts to snap, both sides will be looking to hit the ground running after Prime Minister James Marape gets proceedings underway at the National Football Stadium.
On paper, the Tigers’ big-game experience will count to their advantage against a Wigmen side made up mostly of unknown talent who have been playing out of their skin since the start of the finals.
Skipper Benjamin Hetra is the most experienced Wigmen, having played for the SP Hunters in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup. However, he faces a race against time to be fit for the clash.
Not content with the minor premiership, Tigers coach Stanley Tepend will be demanding a near-perfect performance from his charges as they look to complete a rare double against a Wigmen outfit who have been playing finals football since the last round of the regular season when they edged the Enga Mioks for the final spot in the top-six playoffs.
“We know the opposition are on a roll but we are planning to start off strong to set the tone for the entire match,” Tepend said on Wednesday.
“The full team of players and officials are all flying Lae into Port Moresby on Friday before the final team are announced.”
Wigmen coach Andiki Andrew said they were relaxed heading into the match.
“We are working and polishing up our structures, especially our defence,” he said.
“We aim to contain the bigger Tigers forwards who have been dominant all season along with their backline
“This will not be an easy task for us. In the finals, we’ve had different structures for our matches against the Agmark Rabaul Gurias, reigning premiers Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and the second-placed JPG Waghi Tumbe. We have devised a new one for the Tigers.
“We believe the structure will be effective with our players adjusting to it. They know what they are supposed to do against the opposition.”
Tigers possible line-up: 1. Joe Joshua, 2. Kafare Amos 3. Jokadi Bire 4. Roderick Tai, 5. Enoch Sine, 6. Mark Tony, 7. Charlie Simon, 8. Roy Kela, 9. Noel Joel, 10. Mark Piti, 11. Tiger Emeri, 12. Junior Rop, 13. Ishmael Balkawa, 14. Wesser Tanzer, 15. John Gend, 16. John Andy, 17. Tikiko Noke.
Wigmen possible line up: 1. Sylvester Bulu, 2. Richard Tuweiyo, 3. Gilmo Paul, 4. Stanford Talita, 5. Nanduka Rame, 6. David Joseph, 7. Tombal Peter, 8. Valentine Culligan, 9. Dobi Michael, 10. Kerry Pep, 11. Emmanuel Waine, 12. Yaksi Kila, 13. Yves David, 14. Raymond Tia, 15. Ham Tina, 16. Junior Jeff Mel, 17. Cliff Denge.