In a historic fairytale run, the Irok Pirates have set a date with the Consort Royals in the 2024 Morobe Rugby Union (MRU) Premier Grade Grand Final on Saturday, October 5th, at Lae Scrum Oval.
The Pirates have had a stellar 2024 season, registering twelve wins, recording two draws and remaining undefeated in the regular rounds.
This will be a special grand final appearance for the club after thirty two (32) years. The Pirates Rugby Union Club was established in 1991, where they won the competition that year in their rookie season.
Since that premiership success in 1991, the club has struggled to make another grand final appearance, although they’ve shown signs of improvement over the years.
However, with self-belief, team spirit and sheer determination, the club finally snapped their 32-year finals drought in the 2024 MRU campaign and marched to the big dance.
The sea rovers have sent a warning to the MRU competition with their unheralded rise, flexing their muscles and eager to steal the limelight for the second time after three decades.
Coach Greg Golman stressed that it had been a long time coming for the club, so the feeling of tasting the second grand final hasn’t sunk in yet. He credited his team for making it to the grand final.
“Their (Pirates) performance the whole season has been very consistent, which saw us undefeated with twelve wins and two draws. I’m very proud of my boys,” Golman said.
“This will be our second grand final appearance. Our first grand final was in 1991 when the club was founded. Thirty two years later, we are back in the grand final. The feeling is surreal.”
Mr. Golman has faith and belief in his boys to complete their mission and bring the title home for the sea robbers, but admits that the Royals will be equal to the contest.
“I am very confident my boys are up for the task this weekend. Their consistent performance the whole season is one of the key factors as to why we have the confidence in the team,” coach Golman stated.
“However, the Royals are also a very formidable side with attacking threats all across the park, but I’m sure my boys will rise to the challenge to defend them.”
Golman added that the team bonding and combination leading up to the decider has been great. The players are relaxed, refreshed and look forward to the challenge on the weekend.
“Preparations have been excellent. The boys have been training well, energy levels are high during our sessions, and their mentality has been positive. The team is excited to play on the biggest stage this weekend,” Golman said.
The Irok Pirates are on the cusp of making history and breaking their 32-year premiership drought this Saturday, October 5th, at the heart of Lae’s spiritual rugby ground.
PC: Pirates Rugby Union Club, Lae_FB
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