Melanesian Cup 2017

[mikail-eagle]

Melanesian Cup 2017 between the 2016 Champions from PNG and Fiji is set for next week (18th of February 2017. )

PNG to be represented by the Lae Tigers

And Fiji by the Nadi Aviators

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.emtv.com.pg/sport/2017/01/nadi-aviators-ready-for-melanesian-cup-championship/

Nadi Aviators ready for Melanesian Cup Championship

The crowned Champions of the 2016 Fiji National Rugby League, Vodafone Inter-Zone Competition, Nadi Aviators, are now looking forward to the Melanesian Cup Championship where they will meet the Lae Snax Tigers.

Papua New Guinea’s, 2016 Digicel Cup Premiers, will be travelling to Fiji for this meet.

With February 18 just a few weeks away, Aviators Head Coach, Vela Tawake, is certain they will do well against a team of high caliber, and there has been ongoing training to keep their fitness levels up to speed.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/tigers-named/

Lae Tigers named

LAE Tigers coach Stanley Tepend has named an 18-man side including Kumuls David Loko and Timothy Lomai for their Melanesian Cup rugby league clash with the Nadi Aviators on Feb 18.
The match will be at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, and pits the 2016 Digicel Cup champions against a Fiji side that is a combination of five of the top teams from the Vodafone premiership.

Tepend, has also included Hunters Junior Rop, Noel Joel, Anderson Bentford and Warren Glare in his side as they look to keep the silverware in PNG after the Agmark Gurias claimed the inaugural title in 2015 with a 42-2 drubbing of the Sabeto Roosters in Port Moresby.
With the standard set, Tepend has left no stone unturned in preparing his side – training started on Jan 3.

The former Kumul five-eighth said he was pleased he would be taking a full strength team to Fiji and was sure the Aviators would be just as determined to get a win on their home soil.

The Lae Biscuit-sponsored franchise, who use the brand Snax, have been one of the most consistent sides in the country’s semi-professional competition over the past four seasons but only managed to win the premiership last year with a 14-8 win over the Gurias in Port Moresby.
Tepend said the side would dedicate the match in honour of the Late Sir Henry Chow, who supported the team along with his sons Fabian and Adrian, through their Lae Biscuit Company.

Tepend said his staff had watched footage of the Aviators players and he was impressed with their pack but with Lomai, Loko, Glare and his other Tigers forwards he was positive about their chances to contain their opposition.

The Hunters contingent – Loko, Joel, Benford and Rop – would join the team in Lae on Saturday and return with the full squad to Port Moresby on Wednesday.

Lae Snax Tigers: 1. Robert Vuai 2. Billy Paul 3. Charles Martin 4. Pasu Awene 5. Anderson Benford 6. Charlie Simon 7. Mafu Kales 8. John Andy 9. Noel Joel 10. Timothy Lomai 11. David Loko 12. Bernard Lama 13. Junior Rop; Reserves: 14. Warren Glare 15. Enoch Sine 16. Wessa Tenza 17. Ryan Kiso 18. Ali Pinda; Officials: Stanley Tepend (coach), Brent McKenzie (assistant coach), Tim Rodgers (team manager), Francis Moya (trainer), Kupun Wisil (trainer), Ian Yano (physiotherapist).

 

[Coastbloke]

While Foxtel's Fox Footy is showing the 1985 GF for the 1000th time this is the sort of stuff that the new 24hr League channel can fill it's programming with. The content is there..

 

[adamkungl]

While Foxtel's Fox Footy is showing the 1985 GF for the 1000th time this is the sort of stuff that the new 24hr League channel can fill it's programming with. The content is there..

I expect constant replays of classic matches and NRL360

 

[Coastbloke]

I suspect you may be right too AK..Frustrating as it may be.. So many possibilities, but no doubt they will f*** it up..

 

[Leigh Howlett]

Unfortunately we probably won't get to see this match live but if Fox are pestered about the game then they may very well show it when the Dedicated channel commences later this month, start a Petition!.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Radio Australia interview with Lae Tigers coach Stanley Tepend on Radio Australia.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-17/tigers-and-aviators-to-go-head-to-head-in/8279334

The Digicel Cup champions in Papua New Guinea, Lae Snax Tigers, have arrived in Fiji to take on the Nadi Aviators in this weekend's Melanesian Rugby League Cup final.

The team from PNG will be defending the trophy, after the Agmark Gurias won the inaugural game in Port Moresby last year, thrashing Sabeta Roosters 42-2.

The chief executive of the Fiji National Rugby League, Timoci Naleba, says a win for the Aviators would be a big boost for the local game.

Mr Naleba says the national competition has been restructured since last year's Melanesian Cup final, and he expects the Aviators to be very competitive.

The Tigers' coach, Stanley Tepend, says their focus in the build-up to the big game has been largely in house, as they've found it difficult to learn much about their Fijian opposition.

Richard Ewart
Source: Pacific Beat | Duration: 6min 57sec

 

[deluded pom?]

Noel Joel. Brilliant name. Why is the Fjian team a rep one as opposed to the Vodaphone Cup winners?

 

[mikail-eagle]

The game has been played.
Fulltime Score: Lae Snax Tigers 40- Nadi Aviators 4

The Lae Tigers will be retaking the Melanesian Cup back to PNG.

 

[Foreign Legion]

Great news

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

 

[LeagueXIII]

Noel Joel. Brilliant name. Why is the Fjian team a rep one as opposed to the Vodaphone Cup winners?

The Vodafone Cup was restructured last season to a more regional one (like a rep team), consisting of:

Nodroga Knights
Nasinu Titans
Suva Eagles
Lautoka Crusaders
Ra Roosters
Nadi Aviators
Navosa Bulls

underneath this is the club comp, which previous was known as the Top 8 and had the following clubs in 2015:

Sabeto Roosters
Saru Dragons
Nadi Eels
Makoi Bulldogs
Nabua Broncos
Nadera Panthers
Kinoya Sea Eagles
Burenitu Cowboys

These clubs still exist and play in regional comps.

 

[deluded pom?]

The Vodafone Cup was restructured last season to a more regional one (like a rep team), consisting of:

Nodroga Knights
Nasinu Titans
Suva Eagles
Lautoka Crusaders
Ra Roosters
Nadi Aviators
Navosa Bulls

underneath this is the club comp, which previous was known as the Top 8 and had the following clubs in 2015:

Sabeto Roosters
Saru Dragons
Nadi Eels
Makoi Bulldogs
Nabua Broncos
Nadera Panthers
Kinoya Sea Eagles
Burenitu Cowboys

These clubs still exist and play in regional comps.

Thanks.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=389934

Heavy defeat

THIRTY two incomplete sets of tackles and basic mistakes resulted in Nadi Aviators' heavy defeat against the touring Lae Snax Tigers at Lawaqa Park yesterday.

The Aviators only completed three sets allowing the Tigers to dominate the game winning 44-4.

In the first spell, the host failed to complete 16 tackles giving the Tigers opportunities and possession to pile points. Fitness level also separated the two teams with the Tigers on the upper hand outclassing their oppositions to score seven tries to Aviators one.

The visitors started the game strongly deploying their big forwards as battering rams in the middle of the field in the first three tackles before spreading the ball wide to the back line in last two tackles to gain the much needed territory.

This same tactics haunted the Aviators forcing them to commit unforced errors.

The Tigers scored three tries in the first spell and followed it up with four more tries in the second half to secure a huge win.

Nadi on the other hand failed to find its rhythm giving the visitors the advantage and the confidence to rule the game.

Aviators head coach Vela Tawake said the game was a huge learning curve for his players.

He said basic mistakes and incomplete sets of tackles contributed to the loss.

"This game taught us many good lessons," said Tawake.

"Basic mistakes such as miss tackles, dropped passes and poor ball handling in tackle situations affected our game.

"This is a good experience for the players and big learning curve as well."

Tawake congratulated the Tigers for their achievement.

Tigers coach Stanley Tepend commended his troops for their wonderful display.

He said the two months of preparation has paid off.

"We are happy with our effort and I thanked the boys for the win," said Tepend.

"We have been preparing for this game for two solid months and we have achieved our target."

The Tigers scored three consecutive tries in the first half before Nadi's lone try was scored by Apolosi Ranawai as the visitors scored four more unanswered tries in the second spell.

 

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Interesting interview by the Fiji NRL CEO...... Almost blaming Rugby Union for the heavy defeat.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-20/hard-lessons-learned-as-fijian-hopes-of-winning/8285516

Hard lessons learned as Fijian hopes of winning Melanesian Cup flounder
Updated about 5 hours ago

The Melanesian Rugby League Cup is still very firmly in the hands of Papua New Guinea, after their champion team, Lae Snax Tigers, overpowered Fiji's Nadi Aviators in Sigatoka.

The Tigers led 16-4 at half time, and then romped away in the second half to take out the match by 40 points to 4.

So a big disappointment for the Fijian contingent, who had high hopes of mounting a serious challenge for the trophy on home soil, and the Chief Executive of the Fiji NRL, Timoci Naleba, says it's clear there's a lot of work to be done if they're to close the gap on PNG.

Richard Ewart
Source: Pacific Beat | Duration: 5min 28sec

 

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http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=390028

Navugona pinpoints cause of loss

DUAL rugby international Mesake Navugona says difference in the level of local competition in Papua New Guinea and Fiji contributed to the visitors' victory in Sigatoka on Saturday.

This follows Papua New Guinea's Lae Snax Tigers rugby league team's demolition of the Nadi Aviators 44-4 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

The visitors tore the home side apart scoring seven tries to one.

It was another ruthless performance by the Papua New Guineans after the Agmak Gurias thrashed Nadi's Sabeto Roosters 42-2 in the inaugural Melanesian Club Championship in Port Moresby last year.

Navugona said the result should be a wake-up call for the Fiji National Rugby League since rugby league was PNG's national sport.

"Rugby league is not a full time sport in Fiji," Navugona said.

"Players participate in rugby league when the season is on, but when the off-season comes, they turn to rugby union and start playing 7s. The signs are there of the need to lift the sport to another level in the country. It is red lights and something needs to be done urgently."

Navugona represented Fiji in both rugby union and rugby league.

He was the Fiji Bati team manager for many years, including to the last Rugby League World Cup in Great Britain.

"A structured development program has to be in place and also an off-season training program. There is a lot of work to do.

"Local players vying for a spot in the Fiji Bati have to be realistic. They have very little chance of getting into the Fiji Bati team because the overseas-based players are participating in higher level competitions.

"In the last Fiji Bati team there were two local boys, but none of them played," Navugona said.

 

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Both teams after the game.