Tigers ready for Rabbitohs
Lae Tigers coach Stanley Tepend says the Digicel Cup champions are finalising preparations for tomorrow’s Melanesian Cup clash with the Ravoravo Rabbitohs at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Since arriving on Wednesday, the Tigers are seetling in well.
“We’re doing fine with the existing players and new faces we have,” Tepend said of his Tigers, who are the Melanesian Cup holders.
“We started with block fitness and strength building in first month and now we’re transitioning to speed and a short, powerbuilding phase.. We hope to do well and come away with a win. “Then our focus will go back on Papua New Guinea National
Rugby League (PNGNRLC) Digicel Cup as there will be still some time before kick off to polish little areas.
“Tepend said he was excited to see rookie prop Sylvester Namo and halfback Nathan Milli suit up for the Rabbitohs clash.
“From the 2019 premiership team, we have 80 per cent of the players still here with us,” he said.
“We’re focused on the Digicel Cup and this trip is a good opportunity for us to bond and have a good hit-out before we resume preparations for our title defence. “We are lucky to have this concept which was put in place a few years ago by the sport’s national governing bodies of both countries to reward the winners of the two competitions.
“It also gives our boys a good learning experience to visit another country, especially Fiji.
“It’s a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. Our younger players can really get a lot out of this trip apart from rugby league.The National