Yoka joins Gurias

By PARKER TAMBUA
FORMER SP Hunters five-eighth Justin Yoka has joined the Rabaul Gurias for the upcoming Digicel Cup season following the departure of Watson Boas Jr and Allan Simbiri.
Gurias manager Mapua Tamtu told The National yesterday Yoka would fill the void for the 2020 minor premiers.
Papua New Guinea Kumuls halfback Boas is part of the SP Hunters squad.
He will join English club Doncaster next month while Simbiri has joined the Digicel Cup defending premiers Hela Wigmen for the upcoming season.
Tamtu said they were interested in Yoka’s style of play.
However, he said there were some areas in which he needed to improve.
“There is no doubt Justin Yoka is a great talent,” Tamtu said.
“He reads the game and always play what’s in front of him.
“He has a lot of potential and we are certain that he will be a big boost for us.
“With Watson and Allan leaving the club, Justin may be a good fit for either of the halves roles.
“But there are some areas of his game that he will need to improve on.
“Our mentor (former Hunters coach and current Kumuls coach) Michael Marum also gave Justin some advice. He told him (Yoka) that he had great skills, but he needed to be committed on and off the field.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how he goes in our trials.”
Meanwhile, Tamtu said the Gurias pack would be relying on Jordan Pat who returned to Kokopo after he missed the final cut for the Hunters. Pat was released at the end of pre-season trials earlier in the year.
“Pat has a lot potential,” Tamtu said.
“We were surprised that he didn’t make the final cut.
“But the good thing is that we will have his experience and he’ll lead the pack this year.”