Mioks key

Source: Sports, Post Courier - October 14, 2011
By CHARLES YAPUMI

THE Agmark Rabaul Guria and Toyota Enga Mioks semi-final showdown in Port Moresby on Sunday is expected to be a close encounter, because it will be played away from both franchises’ home venues.
The winners will stay another week in the nation’s capital for the inaugural Digicel Cup grand final clash against Bintangor Goroka Lahanis slotted for next Sunday.
Both franchises were rated outsiders by bookmakers during the start of the season to make the finals because of many raw talents and debutants in their squads.
“We have been rated as underdogs throughout the season, and will be wearing the same tag but will be removing the tag next weekend,” Mioks coach Timothy Lepa said.
Lepa is confident of a win because of the momentum of playing in the elimination final where they defeated SBSL Mendi Muruks in Wabag last weekend.
       But Guria’s coach Michael Marum thinks otherwise: “The two weeks off had helped us to build on our weakness.”
From the season’s statistics, Guria have defeated Mioks 2-1, but will mean nothing on Sunday because games won by both teams were at their home venue, and Port Moresby is a neutral venue.
Guria will be without the service of winger Jonathon Levi who broke his arm in their last match, and his replacement is yet to be named.
“I have all 22 members of my squad available and will name my team on Saturday,” Marum said. I will be banking on experienced players Pidi Tongap and Obert Ondele to lead is youthful team.”
Mioks have been given a clean bill of health after last weekend’s physical encounter and will be banking on inspirational skipper David Loko and halfback Steven Kua to dictate play.
The team that defends well and makes fewer mistakes will be the team playing next weekend, Lepa said.
Both franchises will arrive in Port Moresby on Saturday for the match.
Meanwhile, PNG National Rugby League general manager Hubert Warupi in an email to the Post-Courier said names of franchises which have outstanding fees owed to PNGNRL will be revealed after the grand final.
The deadline imposed by PNGNRL Board for defaulters to pay up was last week Sunday.