Wigmen wary of Tigers pack

By ROBINSON LEKA
HELA Wigmen coach Charlie Wabo says the Digicel Cup grand final rematch with hosts Lae Tigers will come down to the battle of the forwards in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash (3pm kick-off).
The round-six encounter at the Lae Rugby League Ground will see the ladder-leading Tigers battle second-placed reigning champions Wigmen for the first time since the 2020 decider.
“The Tigers are always a good side and their pack has been one of the best in the competition over the years,” former Papua New Guinea Kumuls rake Wabo told The National yesterday.
“Skipper Valentine (Culligan) is ready and he’ll get support from our forwards like Tommy Moide and Daniel Pai.
“They have really good finishers in the backs, so that’s something we’ve been working on all week to contain.
“We have some new players since we last played against the Tigers, but there’s always been that trust among our players, so we shouldn’t worry about it that much.
“We’ll be sticking to the same team as last week and nothing has changed in our approach because I keep telling the boys that we have to treat every game we take with the same intensity.”
Wabo said his backline, under halfback Peter Pagali, was prepared to match the fast-paced attack of the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side.
Meanwhile, The Stanley Tepend-coached Tigers will be counting on skipper Enoch Sine, Fijian Takiko Noke, and formers SP Hunter pair Casey Dickson and Junior Rop to make inroads against the Kroton-sponsored Wigmen.
The Tigers halves pairing of Mark Tony and Jamie Mavoko, hooker Noel Joel and fullback Sanny will be tested by the visitors.
Fixtures: Sat, July 10 – Isou v Cutters, Dabaris v Gurias; Sun, July 11 – Tumbe v Mioks, Vipers v Lahanis, Eagles v Muruks, Tigers v Wigmen.