Rabaul Agmark Gurias

While training has been intense over the past two months, a lot of focus has been on endurance and conditioning including field and gym sessions before final trials this weekend.

Team Manager Mapua Tamtu said they have plans for two more trial games starting this Saturday between a select side from the Kokopo 9s and the development squad. The best players from this Saturday’s trial will be added to the main Gurias squad.

Tamtu also revealed the Gurias next trial match is against Cutters tentatively set for next week in Kimbe.

After a minute of silence in respect of the National Remembrance Day, which fell on July 23^rd, the first and sixth-placed teams pulled out all stops to get a clear head start.

Just 10 minutes into the match and a kick by Gurias’ five-eighth, John Ragi Jnr, saw his teammates sprint towards the Tigers’ tryline. Left winger, Elias Pidik, caught the ball over Sonny Wabo’s head, sidestepping him and dashing for the line with Tigers’ Billy Paul hot on his heels.

Pidik maneuvered to the right, grounding the ball firmly for the opening try of the round 8 match.

That was how Vice Minister for Sport and Member for Kagua-Erave, Wesley Raminai, described the late Nightingale when sending his condolences to the family and friends of the man who was affectionately known as ‘Papa Guria’.

Raminai said Nightingale’s contribution to the Agmark Gurias rugby league franchise in PNG’s premier competition, Digicel Cup, was an example of excellence in sports.

“Agmark Guria is a renowned sporting entity that has set some high benchmarks and the late John Nightingale is one of the main reasons behind this,” Raminai said.

The incident happened during the Digicel Cup elimination match in Port Moresby between the Rabaul Agmark Gurias and Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles.

“Making peace is always important in a modern time like this where law must be followed and traditions must be maintained,” says the Chairman of the Western Highlands Development Forum Inc, Samson Komati, when urging all Western Highlanders in Port Moresby to come forward in kind and cash and help the Late Pidik’s family.

Sabeto Roosters will not take the home side lightly when they clash in the Melanesian Club championship.

Sabeto coach Voate Naravu said they’re here to win and are confident despite not knowing much about the Gurias.

The Fiji side will be banking on top players like Tevita Niusama and veterans Semisi Qoro, Viliame Rakuli and Roger Qoro.

“It’s good to bring the team out to get international exposure and allow the players to gain more experience.