The Digicel Cup 2022 Competition is 5 weeks away and whilst all other Digicel Cup teams are getting ready and cutting down numbers for their final team, Central Dabaris Rugby League Club has announced its’ 30 men squad and their 5 shadow men for the Digicel Cup 2022 Season.
Dabaris Coach Mr Steve Gunua said out of the 42 men he had, he trimmed the team down to the 30 men and the 5 shadow players who are currently all training together.
Coach Gunua says with 5 weeks remaining the boys will be monitored very closely in terms of their attendance to training, their performance during training and most importantly their respect towards the club.
“My main focus for this year is respect; all players need to learn how to respect each player, their superiors and everyone around them both on and off the field.”
“If there is no respect then we cannot have a team with players all on the same page,” says Coach Gunua.
Coach Gunua said respect is vital this year if they want to see the club progress in the Digicel Cup 2022 challenge because Central Dabaris for the first time in Digicel Cup Competition has made a name and history for itself when they took on board 2 female to be part of their technical team.
“The players need to respect our female staff, Head Trainer Ms Dela Audama former PNG Orchids and Head Trainer and Ms Britney Murray, our Strength and Conditioning Coach.
“Despite their gender they still play an important role in the club and the same respect duly given to the male technical staff must be given to these two women as well,” he said.
“We are happy to be the first Digicel Cup team to be breaking barriers and giving women the opportunity and platform to facilitate their skills and knowledge in rugby league,” said Coach.
Coach Gunua highlighted that so far it is good to see the boys cooperating very well with the two women staff and we are looking forward for a better 2022 season with this two women on board.
Gunua further stated that with only 5 weeks remaining before the start of the season he is urging all the 30 men squad and the 5 shadow players to maintain fitness, show discipline on and off the field and all must conduct themselves like professionals because one mistake can be very costly.
“I will not hesitate to make changes if it is for the good of the club, if you do not comply with club rules, I can just give your spot to one of the shadow players, “says Coach Gunua.
He is also urging all the players who are on the squad to refrain from any off season league that is currently happening around the city because any injuries sustained during those off season leagues will be their own personal problem.
The club will focus on the remaining players and continue its preparations for 2022 Digicel Cup Competition.