George Tobata is Agmark Rabaul Gurias new coach

George Tobata is Gurias new coach

New Agmark Gurias coach George Tobata  has started preparing his team for this weekend’s Digicel Cup match against reigning premiers SNS Port Moresby Vipers.

Thirty-year old Tobata has taken on his new role without any problems having been the team’s head trainer alongside former coaches Michael Marum and Oscar Tonga. The team management appointed Tobata to head the team after releasing former coach Oscar Tonga.

Agmark spokesman Kevin Wright confirmed early this week the sacking of Tonga and the appointment of Tobata adding that the changes were for the benefit of the team and sponsors.

When asked for the reason behind the sacking of Tonga, Wright said he could not say much about the issue. It is believed Oscar’s sacking was due to personal issues as well as the recent losses by the team.

Tobata was with the team last weekend in Mt Hagen where the Gurias defeated Mendi Muruks 40-14.

He has a mammoth task ahead of him but has a lot of experience from being around Marum and Tonga for the past couple of years. He has participated in coaching and refereeing clinics and holds a PNGRFL level one coaching certificate. All eyes are now on Tobata to maintain consistency in the team and lead them into the finals this year.

Tobata is of mix parentage of East New Britain and Central Provinces and sports runs deep in the family. His father Alois Tobata is the rugby league development officer for the New Guinea Islands while his mother Dorothy is president of the ENB Netball Association.