FORMER Papua New Guinea international and Hela Wigmen coach Charlie Wabo says he is optimistic about their title defence in the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
Despite losing a number of his premiership winners from last season, he said with the inclusion of a few rookies alongside their 10 existing players, the Wigmen were eager to retain the title.
“From our preparation and training, I’ve seen that the players look sharp and they are ready to defend the title,” Wabo said.

The 2020 Digicel Cup Premiers launched their 2021 title defense at the Koitaki Country Club on Friday 30th April 2021. The event coincided with the official announcement of the 35 men playing roster. “Having 7 of the 17 players in last year’s Digicel Cup grand final team in SP Hunters is one of the greatest highlights. It is a loss for the club but also good as we can keep the production line going” said Chairman Andy Hetra.

Hetra said, ‘’the team has done well this year with good local talents from Hela being drafted into pre-season that makes up a third of the team. We have signed up few talents from other centers to have the balance and depth to be competitive and we are happy with the playing stock we have’’.

​ENGA Mioks captain Supa Kokote, pictured, earned his side valuable two-points for the competition leaders as they edged the Hela Wigmen 18-14 in their round six fixture at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
Kokote with his man-of-the-match performance put his body on the line in defence and attack and made several telling breaks to contribute to the visiting side’s sixth consecutive victory of the Digicel Cup 2018 season.