Posted By Staff Reporter
PROMISING rugby league star and Wantok Gaming System Mt Hagen Eagles centre Jason Tali finally got a call up for the PNG Prime Minister's 13. The Western Highlander whose consistent form had been overlooked in previous seasons, this time had all hands raised for him ahead of Agmark Guria's Jacky Marcus, Wesley Benny (Muruks) and Enga Mioks centre Pasu Awane. Vice Minister for Sports and Pacific Games Labi Amaiu confirmed watching this young footballer who had gone from strength to strength to seal his position. "I have seen this young man play and yes, he can match up with Jamal Idris of the Australian side," a confident Amaiu said when asked about how the PNG boys can match up with a very strong Mal Meninga coached Australian outfit. Amaiu said despite the short preparations, "we are confident the team can perform". "I on behalf of the Peter O'Neill and Leo Dion government and my good Minister for sports and Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko, would like to officially announce that this team is final and has our blessing. I know the Prime Minister's is overseas but I will present this list to him once he arrives and is free," Amaiu said. The selection which was done behind closed doors was never released early confusing a lot of people who wanted to know their PM's team. When caretaker Ivan Ravu was asked about this, he naively said PNG has always had one week preparations and that has been the norm. However when pushed on why the chairman of selectors Arnold Krewanty's signature was not on the list, he said: "It is an internal matter which I cannot comment on."
In the 20-man team announced, six players will make their debut for the country while the rest have in one way or another represented PNG at the international level. The debutants are flashy utility backs Mathew Puke (Muruks), Tali (Eagles), Wesley Mohukule (Lahanis), Enock Maki (Vipers), Wartovo Puaria Jr (Guria), Essau Siune (Lions) and Roy Kela (Muruks). The team is most likely to be captained by veteran prop Rodney Pora. Adrian Lam iscoach and he will be assisted by the 2012 Digicel Cup winning coach Michael Marum. The trainer is Neil Dunkley while long-time Kumuls physiotherapist Mathew Natusch who flew into the country yesterday will also be team manager. The team doctor is James Naipao. PNG PM's XIII team Josiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers) Mathew Puke (Mendi Muruks) Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers) Jason Tali (Mt Hagen Eagles) Albert Patak (Rabaul Guria) Dion Aiye (Rabaul Guria) Israel Eliab (Port Moresby Vipers) Rodney Pora (Rabaul Guria) Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks) Gonzela Urakuse (Goroka Lahanis) David Loko (Enga Mioks) Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers) Glen Nami (Goroka Lahanis) Wesley Mohukule (Goroka Lahanis) Larsen Marabe (NSW) Enoch Maki (Port Moresby Vipers) Wartovo Puara Jr (Rabaul Guria) Essau Siune (Simbu Lions) Adrian Lam (Coach) Michael Marum (Assistant coach) Matthew Natusch (Team manager/physio) Neil Dunkley (Trainer) Dr James Naipao (Team Doctor) Shadow players Roy Kela (Mendi Muruks) Post Courier Comments are closed.
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