Melanesian Club Championship

In their first encounter with the Lae Snax Tigers last year, the Aviators were trounced 40-4 at Lawaqa Park, Singatoka, Fiji.

At the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday, the Fijians were right in the contest until the final whistle, going down 38-22.

“It was very physical. We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said captain, Josateki Sovau.

“We came with a very young side and that’s a gain for us because we were exposed to international level and hopefully, we can come back stronger in the next few years and win the Cup.”

Stanley Tepend’s men were tested by the Nadi Aviators yesterday, but held on to win back-to-back titles.

“The Aviators really did their homework. They really put it to us and it was a much improved performance.

“Credit to the Aviators. They came here with a better side and better game plan,” said Tigers' coach Tepend.

Tepend said he was proud of his team’s performance.

“I’m very happy with the win. We needed this hit up. It answered some questions that we had, especially in our key positions.

The players with the coach and officials took the time to sit with the children and share goodie bags containing food, drinks and Tigers merchandise. 

Inclusive Education Program Coordinator, Suemylee Uriah, said it really meant a lot to the 108 children of Cheshire Inclusive School.

“We only see these players on TV, so for the children here to actually meet them is a really big thing.

“It will motivate them and make them see that commitment and discipline will take them places and give them the belief that they too can be whatever they want to be.”

The Tigers did it easy taking a 18-4 lead at half-time and then went on to pile on a further 22 more points from four tries in the second half  at Lawaqa Park, Singatoka, Fiji.

Lock forward for the Tigers, John Andy was awarded the man of the match.

They have become the second Digicel Cup team to win the Melanesian Club Championship Cup after the Agmark Gurias in 2015.

The Melanesian Club Championship concept started in 2015, and the Cup will return to PNG for the second time.

“Hopefully we can build and grow our ‘people to people’ relations through our shared love for rugby league.

“I hope that as both teams assemble in Fiji for the match, that they take some time to appreciate each other’s stories, customs and embrace our common heritage, learn from each other and hopefully form friendships that go beyond the football field and the weekend,” said Tsaka.

The Tigers flew into the nation’s capital this morning and had a training session with the SP Hunters at the National Football Stadium to finalize preparations before they leave for Fiji tomorrow morning.

“We’ve been in training for 6 weeks now with the last two weeks focused on the Melanesian Club Championship, and we’re grateful to the Hunters for this afternoon’s session.

“We’ve been studying our opposition’s camp and we can see that they are serious about this match, but so are we.

The Tigers and Sharks match will be played in Fiji next year in February.

The Melanesian Club Championship concept was started last year with the winners of Papua New Guinea's Digicel Cup competition (Gurias) and Fiji's Vodafone Cup competition (Sabeto Roosters) facing off in Port Moresby.

The Gurias won the inaugural Melanesian Club Championship beating the Roosters 42-2.

Digicel Cup champions, the Gurias, will have the crowd behind them.

 They also boast several national representative players, Watson Boas, Chris Jerry and captain Albert Patak.

Gurias coach Steven Nightingale has indicated he will use the same 17 that beat the Simbu Lions in last month’s grand final.

“We’ve been in camp for about two weeks now. The boys have been playing in the local leagues in Rabaul and are all in good shape and ready to go,” said Nightingale.

Gurias captain Albert Patak added that the team were all looking forward to tomorrow.