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Pride up for homecoming
April 21, 2023The NationalSports
IT will be another momentous event for Papua New Guinea rugby league when Sepik Pride host Goroka Lahanis on Sunday in what will be the first intercity match to be played in Wewak.
The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup round 2 fixture at Poro Oval is expecting a capacity crowd as the semi-professional competition makes its way into soccer heartland. Pride made history last Sunday with a gutsy first round 14-8 win over the Gulf Isou in Port Moresby.
The EMK Construction-sponsored side will be eyeing their second win on the trot when they host the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis.
There is no confirmation on whether Watson Boas will make his Pride debut following issues with Betfred League club Doncaster in the United Kingdom with whom he has an active contract.
The 28-year-old half was pulled from last week’s match after advice from PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC), the competition organisers.
Despite the late scratching, the Pride were able to overcome a 0-8 deficit led by veteran Wartovo Puara Jnr to notch their maiden win.
Pride coach Joe Bruno is relying on the same side that earned his trust last week at the Santos National Football Stadium.
“We have very strong support at home (Wewak) and they will be going crazy when we play our first home game,” Bruno said last week.
Puara Jnr, who shifted to five-eighth last week, is expected to partner Peter Pakali in the halves while fullback Roy Ellison and utility Dickson Amea will complete the spine. Two centres in Elijah Iwa and Joe Frank ‘The Tank’ along with winger John Paul will also be the ones to watch in home side’s attack.
Meanwhile, the Lahanis are coming off a 30-30 draw against defending premiers Hela Wigmen at home last week. The Charlie Wabo-coached side will be looking to record their first win of the season and create history of their own to be the first to win a match in the East Sepik capital.
Lahanis playmakers Israel Balo and Joseph Karara will be steering the attack while veteran hooker and captain Charlie Buka’s experience will be a useful counterpoint providing composure, game-management and crucially, a level-head
