With Hunters boost, Tumbe confident to face Tigers

WAGHI Tumbe say they are aiming to hit the ground running when they begin their Digicel Cup campaign against hosts Lae Tigers on July 5.
With the inclusion of SP Hunters’ Emanuel Waine, Baundo Aba, Casey Dickson and Joe Frank, Tumbe backline coach Joe McConnor is confident of giving the reigning champions a good run for their money.
It is understood the Tigers will field a strong side in the likes of Hunters’ Mark Piti, Junior Rop, Joe Joshua, Charlie Simon and New South Wales Cup rake Edwin Ipape.
“There’s no doubt the Tigers are a great team in PNG rugby league and we respect that,” McConner said.
“But if you look at our squad for this season, we also have good players who can match them so we are looking forward to the match.
“Our Hunters recruits have instilled confidence in the squad,” he said.
“I believe they will combine well with the rest of our players.
“Saki Peter definitely brings composure and he will call the shots.
“The season is short and the Tigers game is an important one for us.
“Every game matters and we will have to start well against the home side.”
Meanwhile, Tumbe have welcomed the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League’s decision to play the first four rounds in Port Moresby and Lae only.
McConnor claimed the Jiwaka team had more followers in the two cities and that he was unfazed about not hosting a game in Minj during this period.