This BLOG is about KANDEP in the ENGA PROVINCE of PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Showing posts with label National Sports News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Sports News. Show all posts
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
PNG Hunters Shot Down Black Hawks Again.
Shot down again
Source:The National, Monday July 27th, 2015
THE Papua New Guinea Hunters held out a star-studded Townsville Blackhawks side 28-26 in Kokopo yesterday.
The win saw the SP-sponsored side join the Queensland Cup leaders, the Blackhawks on 33 points with the latter keeping their position at the top of the table courtesy of a superior points differential.
Townsville coach Kristian Woolf was not taking any chances for the Round 20 encounter, naming a side peppered with National Rugby League players.
Robert Lui, Ray Thompson, Glenn Hall, Ricky Thorby, Kyle Feldt, Tom Humble, Anthony Mitchell and Neville Costigan all played in the NRL and their inclusion boosted the visitors’ ranks.
Despite running their best team out on Kalabond Oval in front of an estimated 5000 fans, the Neville Costigan-led side found themselves trailing 18-12 at the break with the Hunters having opened the scoring through centre Noel Zeming, pictured, in the 5th minute.
Zeming added a penalty while Hunters captain Israel Eliab had a bout of dejavu scoring his side’s second try, a 95m effort off a Lui grubber that was blocked and picked up by the No.6 who ran the length of the field much like he did in their Round 11 match at the Jack Manski Oval won by the PNG side 22-16.
At 12-0 the Hunters left a gaping hole on their line for Costigan to stroll over for the Blackhawks to register their first points of the match in the 19th minute. The visitors’ class came through again not long after with a set spanning the length of the field ending with backrower Kelepi Tanginoa carrying several defenders over the line in an amazing 20m surge.
Centre Feldt, who had kicked an earlier conversion, slotted the extras to draw level at 12-12.
Hunters’ impressive fullback Stargroth Amean replicated Tanginao’s heroics with his own twisting effort close to the line for the Hunters to grab the lead, 18-12, in the 36th minute which they kept at halftime.
The Hunters were the first to score in the second 40 through halfback Ase Boas who sliced through for a well-worked four-pointer as the home side took a 24-12 lead.
The No.7 was later helped off the field with a left ankle injury and replacement Atte Bina Wabo slotted in seamlessly providing an angled grubber close to the line for winger Adex Wera to scoop up and score in the corner to put the lead to 28-12 in the 51st minute.
The inevitable fight back started as half Michael Parker-Walshe and winger Zac Santo got tries in the space of six minutes for the Blackhawks to cut the deficit to eight points at 28-20 with a quarter of the match left to go.
The visitors’ intensity lifted noticeably during this period but the pressure was also on them as handling errors and poor execution stymied both sides.
Tanginao bagged his second try in the 71st minute with another effort close to the line and with the margin now just two points the crowd was kept on the edge of their seats as both sides fought to score the match-winner.
In the end the a knock on by Feldt with 39 seconds left on the clock and the Blackhawks only metres away from the chalk epitomised the closeness of the contest.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Samoa punt Papua New Guinea from Rugby League World Cup in seven-try romp
Photo: Samoa looks to have ended PNG's hopes of progressing to the next stage of the Rugby League World Cup. (Getty: Michael Steele)
Papua New Guinea's Rugby League World Cup exit was all but confirmed on Tuesday as they lost what was effectively a qualifying shootout with Samoa 38-4 in Hull.
With defending champions New Zealand to come on Friday and a defeat to France already against their name, Adrian Lam's Kumuls knew this was a must-win if they were to have a realistic chance of taking third spot in Group B.
Improving Samoa never gave them a chance, with Matt Parish's side showing more of the flashes they produced in losing to New Zealand a week ago.
A defeat of the Kiwis must follow if PNG are to have any hope of progressing.
Samoa face France in their final pool game and will be increasingly confident after a seven-try display which included an Antonio Winterstein hat-trick.
If they can beat the French, second place and an easier quarter-final - likely to be against Fiji - awaits.
AAP
Monday, October 28, 2013
Late William Barthau field goal seals narrow 9-8 win for France over Papua New Guinea at World Cup
Josiah Abavu celebrates after scoring a try for the Kumuls against the French. Source: AAP
A WILLIAM Barthau field goal 15 minutes from the final whistle was enough to allow France to scramble past Papua New Guinea in their World Cup Pool B match.
But there was drama right to the end, with PNG fullback David Mead pushing a 25-metre penalty attempt wide with just two minutes to play.
Playmaker Thomas Bosc opened the scoring in the sixth minute for the French, converting his own try after a strong set.
PNG winger Nene McDonald responded, his effort in the corner given the green light after referee Ben Cummins went upstairs to video ref Phil Bentham.
Bentham was then on hand to deny France's Theo Fages, ruling he had made a double movement when crossing the line.
France's Morgan Escare, second left, is taken down by a high tackle from Papa New Guinea's Paul Aiton.
The Papua New Guineans started the second half with new resolve, a forced Mickael Simon knock-on resulting in the ball being spread left and winger Josiah Abavu crossing.
Bosc brought the scores level with a penalty 20 minutes from time and fellow halfback William Barthau nailed the 35-metre drop-goal five minutes later to pull the French a point clear.
But after Barthau spilled a late, speculative high kick from Ray Thompson, PNG were awarded a penalty that could have snatched the match, only for Mead's effort to drift wide in strong wind at Hull's Craven Park.
Fulltime FRANCE 9 (T Bosc try T Bosc 2 goals W Barthau field goal) bt PAPUA NEW GUINEA 8 (J Abavu N MacDonald tries) at MS3 Craven Park. Crowd: 7,481.
Papua New Guinea's Josiah Abavu, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a try.
France celebrate their victory at the final whistle after the 2013 World Cup rugby league match against Papua New Guinea at Craven Park.
Papua New Guinea's Neville Costigan is tackled by France's Gregory Mounis.
France's William Barthau is tackled by Papua New Guinea's Mickael Simon.
France's Jamal Fakie and Papua New Guinea's Charlie Wabo, right, in action during the 2013 World Cup rugby league match at Craven Park.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Papua New Guinea takes first step towards an NRL team with Queensland Cup entrant
Source: couriermail, http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl
A Kumuls mascot walks onto the
field before a PNG game. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: DailyTelegraph
by:Chris Garry and Peter
Badel, From:The Courier-Mail, September 19, 201312:00AM
A PAPUA New Guinea team is set
to join the Intrust Super Cup as a bold step in the rugby league-mad nation’s pursuit of an NRL franchise.
Security concerns for
travelling teams remain a stumbling block for the entry of the ISC’s 13th club,
especially in the wake of last week’s deadly attack on the Black Cat trail.
It is understood the PNG
government will cover costs for private security teams to accompany
Queensland-based players into Port Morseby, the club’s home.
A handful of ISC clubs are not
in favour of PNG gaining admission, with Norths chief executive Mark Murray
wanting financial stability for the established clubs to come first.
ISC general manager Jamie
O’Connor said in-principle agreement had been given to the PNG group, headed by
veteran league administration Brad Tassell, for a start next year.
"They have applied for
entry and been given conditional support by the board, subject to some clauses
that need to be agreed to,” O’Connor said.
"We are working through
those conditions at the moment. Security is a major issue, as are details of
travel and medical care.
"We are hoping to have
things locked away by grand final week but nothing is in stone.
"One of the conditions is
that this does not cost us, because quite simply we cannot afford to expand
right now. PNG will pay their own way.
"There is a great
opportunity over there to expand our brand through broadcasting in PNG."
The PNG team could even play
curtainraisers to NRL matches, with the ARL Commission considering a dramatic
revamp of the code’s second tier and relegating the under-20s competition to
midweek.
The team, whose home ground
will be Port Morseby’s Lloyd Robson Oval, will be able to recruit players from
Australia but it is expected to be largely made up of local players.
Maroons coach and PNG Kumuls
assistant Mal Meninga is a supporter of the club’s entry to the ISC.
"Having a PNG team
playing in the ISC would just do wonders for the programs that they have in place
up there," Meninga wrote in his Sunday Mail column earlier this year.
"It creates another
pathway. They can play footy, earn money, and get recognised and go on to
bigger and better things."
The Port Morseby Vipers played
in the Queensland Cup in 1996 and 1997, but pulled out due to financial issues.
Murray said his club was not
against the PNG team, but ensuring current clubs stayed afloat should be the
priority.
"The club group want
stability around the competition and the current clubs before any expansion
takes place,” he said.
"We want to make sure the
current clubs are looked after before we look at a PNG team. We aren’t against
PNG at all, but our first priority is to stabilise the clubs and ensure their
sustainability.”
The ISC will expand to 14 teams
in 2015, with a Townsville Brothers team set to be included
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
30 for cup camp
Source: The National, Tuesday 23rd April 2013
By HENRY MORABANG
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football
League and Team Kumuls yesterday announced the second camp will take place in
Goroka from April 29-May 2.
Kumuls general manager Matthew Natusch said the Team Kumuls squad for camp two was: Josiah Abavu, Felix Tangue, Albert Patak, Adex Wera, Jason Tali, Tiger Emere, Richard Kambo, Thompson Teteh, Matthew Puke, Elijah Riyong, Dion Aiye, Chris Jerry, Israel Eliab, Ase Boas, Wesley Mohokule, Roy Kela, Charlie Wabo, Wartovo Puara Jnr, Gonzela Urakusie, Enoch Maki, Sebastian Pandia, Esau Siune, Benny Pamunda, Larsen Marabe, Joe Bruno, Mark Mexico and Wellington Albert.
Natusch said all players would be contacted by manager Kera Ngaffin to update them on their travel details and other information.
The second camp follows a successful Team Kumul’s high performance camp in Lae earlier this month.
Both Team Kumuls director of rugby league (Mal Meninga) and director of coaching (Adrian Lam) have been impressed with the attitude and willingness to learn and implement new concepts by local player during the first camp.
They acknowledged Digicel Cup franchises for allowing their players the opportunity to be involved in such an elite programme.
“It can only benefit further the game of rugby league in Papua New Guinea. We are looking forward to getting the guys together again to see how they’ve gone with the concepts that were introduced to them in Camp One,” Meninga said.
“It’s about a change of attitude, a change of focus, of really putting in … not just for yourself but for your team and ultimately, your country.
“It’s about looking at the bigger picture, outside the lines of the football field.
“Players who don’t meet these guidelines will be excluded from Team Kumul’s World Cup preparations.”
Lam said: “It was an eye opener for many of the players. After being tested and assessed, they have been sent away with specific goals and targets that they must reach in areas such as personal fitness specific to their role on the football field, their body weight and fat levels, their attitude and their commitment … there was a lot of education on things like diet, hydration, correct weight programmes and recovery for the players.
“On top of this we were looking at honing the ability they already have and introducing new skills.”
“With Team Kumul and the high performance programme, we are continuously trying to get our national players to a level they have never been before, raising themselves and the bar to an NRL level like in Australia.”
Meninga and Lam indicated they wanted to build on the concept of having young schoolboy footballers involved in the camp.
In Lae, the Team Kumul coaching staff and players ran a coaching clinic for the Northern Zone representative schoolboy players.
“In Goroka we are hoping to run a similar coaching clinic on the morning of Thursday, May 2, with as many of the local schools and schoolboys as possible.”
High performance coach Neil Dunkley wants to reinforce that the players will be re-tested on specific criteria to monitor their training and progress.
“Part of this process is to give players targets that will improve them as athletes. This will mean that throughout the course of the year different players will be rotated in and out of the squad as we build up our base before we head into our end of year matches and then World Cup selection.”
Kumuls general manager Matthew Natusch said the Team Kumuls squad for camp two was: Josiah Abavu, Felix Tangue, Albert Patak, Adex Wera, Jason Tali, Tiger Emere, Richard Kambo, Thompson Teteh, Matthew Puke, Elijah Riyong, Dion Aiye, Chris Jerry, Israel Eliab, Ase Boas, Wesley Mohokule, Roy Kela, Charlie Wabo, Wartovo Puara Jnr, Gonzela Urakusie, Enoch Maki, Sebastian Pandia, Esau Siune, Benny Pamunda, Larsen Marabe, Joe Bruno, Mark Mexico and Wellington Albert.
Natusch said all players would be contacted by manager Kera Ngaffin to update them on their travel details and other information.
The second camp follows a successful Team Kumul’s high performance camp in Lae earlier this month.
Both Team Kumuls director of rugby league (Mal Meninga) and director of coaching (Adrian Lam) have been impressed with the attitude and willingness to learn and implement new concepts by local player during the first camp.
They acknowledged Digicel Cup franchises for allowing their players the opportunity to be involved in such an elite programme.
“It can only benefit further the game of rugby league in Papua New Guinea. We are looking forward to getting the guys together again to see how they’ve gone with the concepts that were introduced to them in Camp One,” Meninga said.
“It’s about a change of attitude, a change of focus, of really putting in … not just for yourself but for your team and ultimately, your country.
“It’s about looking at the bigger picture, outside the lines of the football field.
“Players who don’t meet these guidelines will be excluded from Team Kumul’s World Cup preparations.”
Lam said: “It was an eye opener for many of the players. After being tested and assessed, they have been sent away with specific goals and targets that they must reach in areas such as personal fitness specific to their role on the football field, their body weight and fat levels, their attitude and their commitment … there was a lot of education on things like diet, hydration, correct weight programmes and recovery for the players.
“On top of this we were looking at honing the ability they already have and introducing new skills.”
“With Team Kumul and the high performance programme, we are continuously trying to get our national players to a level they have never been before, raising themselves and the bar to an NRL level like in Australia.”
Meninga and Lam indicated they wanted to build on the concept of having young schoolboy footballers involved in the camp.
In Lae, the Team Kumul coaching staff and players ran a coaching clinic for the Northern Zone representative schoolboy players.
“In Goroka we are hoping to run a similar coaching clinic on the morning of Thursday, May 2, with as many of the local schools and schoolboys as possible.”
High performance coach Neil Dunkley wants to reinforce that the players will be re-tested on specific criteria to monitor their training and progress.
“Part of this process is to give players targets that will improve them as athletes. This will mean that throughout the course of the year different players will be rotated in and out of the squad as we build up our base before we head into our end of year matches and then World Cup selection.”
The second camp follows a successful Team Kumuls high performance camp in Lae
earlier this month.
Both Team Kumuls director of rugby league (Mal Meninga) and director of coaching (Adrian Lam) have been impressed with the attitude and willingness to learn and implement new concepts by local player during the first camp.
They acknowledged Digicel Cup franchises for allowing their players to be involved in such an elite programme.
“It can only benefit further the game of rugby league in Papua New Guinea. We are looking forward to getting the guys together again to see how they’ve gone with the concepts that were introduced to them in Camp One,” Meninga said.
“It’s about a change of attitude, a change of focus, of really putting in … not just for yourself but for your team and ultimately, your country.
“It’s about looking at the bigger picture, outside the lines of the football field.
“Players who don’t meet these guidelines will be excluded from Team Kumul’s World Cup preparations.”
Lam said: “It was an eye opener for many of the players. After being tested and assessed, they have been sent away with specific goals and targets that they must reach in areas such as personal fitness specific to their role on the football field, their body weight and fat levels, their attitude and their commitment … there was a lot of education on things like diet, hydration, correct weight programmes and recovery for the players.
“We were looking at honing the ability they already have and introducing new skills.”
“With Team Kumul and the high performance programme, we are continuously trying to get our national players to a level they have never been before, raising themselves and the bar to an NRL level like in Australia.”
Meninga and Lam indicated they wanted to build on the concept of having young schoolboy footballers involved in the camp.
In Lae, the Team Kumul coaching staff and players ran a coaching clinic for the Northern Zone representative schoolboy players.
Both Team Kumuls director of rugby league (Mal Meninga) and director of coaching (Adrian Lam) have been impressed with the attitude and willingness to learn and implement new concepts by local player during the first camp.
They acknowledged Digicel Cup franchises for allowing their players to be involved in such an elite programme.
“It can only benefit further the game of rugby league in Papua New Guinea. We are looking forward to getting the guys together again to see how they’ve gone with the concepts that were introduced to them in Camp One,” Meninga said.
“It’s about a change of attitude, a change of focus, of really putting in … not just for yourself but for your team and ultimately, your country.
“It’s about looking at the bigger picture, outside the lines of the football field.
“Players who don’t meet these guidelines will be excluded from Team Kumul’s World Cup preparations.”
Lam said: “It was an eye opener for many of the players. After being tested and assessed, they have been sent away with specific goals and targets that they must reach in areas such as personal fitness specific to their role on the football field, their body weight and fat levels, their attitude and their commitment … there was a lot of education on things like diet, hydration, correct weight programmes and recovery for the players.
“We were looking at honing the ability they already have and introducing new skills.”
“With Team Kumul and the high performance programme, we are continuously trying to get our national players to a level they have never been before, raising themselves and the bar to an NRL level like in Australia.”
Meninga and Lam indicated they wanted to build on the concept of having young schoolboy footballers involved in the camp.
In Lae, the Team Kumul coaching staff and players ran a coaching clinic for the Northern Zone representative schoolboy players.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Mal Meninga to help coach PNG ahead of World Cup
Source: The Daily Telegraph, March 20, 2013
Australian & Queensland Rugby League legend, Mal Meninga, will join
PNG's coaching staff. Source: News Limited
RUGBY league legend Mal Meninga is joining Papua New Guinea's coaching
team ahead of this year's World Cup.
Meninga has signed a five-year deal to become performance director for
the Kumuls, who have been drawn alongside Samoa, France and defending champions
New Zealand in group B of the 14-team tournament to be held in the United
Kingdom and France towards the end of the year.
The 52-year-old former Kangaroo will work alongside PNG coach Adrian
Lam, combining his new role with that of coach of Queensland's State of Origin
side.
Meninga has a long association with Papua New Guinea and has coached the
Australian Prime Minister's XIII in its annual clash with the Kumuls since
2006.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
South Sydney Rabbitohs expecting a big crowd for trial match against PNG Kumuls
by:Josh Massoud
From:The Daily Telegraph
February 06, 2013
South Sydney's Bryson Goodwin with Papua New Guinea rugby league players (L to R) Glenn Nami, Israel Eliab, Joshia Abavu, Esau Siune and Dion Aiye at Redfern Oval ahead of their trial match this week. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
TRADITIONALLY a cardinal and mrytle affair, Saturday night's Return to Redfern trial clash will feature some very different faces.
Rabbitohs officials expecting hundreds of raucous Papuans to cheer on the visiting Kumuls, whose every move will also be evaluated by talent scouts from rival NRL outfits.
Despite being the only nation to declare rugby league its No. 1 sport, PNG remains virgin territory for most recruitment officers.
The 20-strong squad that will tackle Souths this weekend is wholly comprised of PNG residents, with some based in remote highland regions where brutal 'eye-for-an-eye' tribal customs still reign supreme.
Dreadlocked prop Esau Siune hails from the village of Kundiawa in Simbu province, which is likely to be banned from hosting matches in this year's local competition because of repeated violence.
It's little wonder Rabbitohs three-quarter Bryson Goodwin was anticipating a physical contest after coming face-to-face with Siune and his team mates at Redfern yesterday.
"I'm sure they are going to be hard to play," he said.
"They've even got a guy nick-named the mini jukebox because he produces so many big hits.
"They'll be energetic and enthusiastic."
Recruitment officers learned that much last weekend, when they watched the Kumuls win the Cabramatta International Nines tournament after conceding just two tries.
Along with Siune, halves Dion Aiye and Israel Eliab attracted interest from Sydney-based player agents that could pave the way for NRL contracts.
PNG coach Adrian Lam expects more recruitment officers to flock to Redfern for Saturday night's game.
"From what I've heard there will be about six clubs with recruitment officers here," Lam said.
"I don't know why clubs haven't concentrated on Papua New Guinea more.
"They've become very familiar with the Pacific islands, but no-one from PNG really gets picked-up unless they come to school in Australia first."
About 2,000 tickets remain available for the clash - one of seven trials being held this weekend.
Friday night's Manly-Cronulla hit-out at Brookvale Oval will boast the most high-profile players, with the Sharks rolling out all their new recruits barring Luke Lewis (oblique tear).
Michael Gordon, Chris Heighington, Beau Ryan and Jono Wright have all been included in the 31-man squad, along with established Sharks Wade Graham, Ben Ross, Isaac de Gois and Anthony Tupou.
Canberra have named stars Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker, Sam Williams and Josh McCrone for Saturday night's game against Melbourne in Geelong, while Canterbury and Newtown will round out the weekend's action with the annual Back to Belmore fixture.
Wests Tigers also tackle Penrith in Bathurst, where the Panthers have named a slightly stronger team that includes first graders Clint Newton, Blake Austin and Nathan Smith.
Monday, September 24, 2012
PNG go down fighting!
Source: Post Courier, September 24, 2012
By KEVIN TEME
By KEVIN TEME
PNG came
close to shutting out the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby
yesterday.The home side went down 24-18 to the Australian outfit in front of a capacity crowd at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
PNG showed more passion for the game but were let down by their goal kickers.
PNG fought back from an 18-4 first half score to level the scores before being edged in the dying minutes of the game.
The nation yesterday stood behind the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII.
Praise to Adrian Lam and his boys for an historic performance. The game should have gone either way had it not been for a poor kicking performance.
The Australians touched down early through centre Michael Jennings. Skipper Scott Prince converted for a 6-0.
Centre partner Chris Lawrence, scored another try just a few minutes after the kick off to lead 12-0; however, a never-say-die effort saw the hosts score through winger Mathew Puke. Half back Israel Eliab did not convert and PNG trailed 12-4.
The huge Australian forward pack laid a good foundation for their backs, in which New Zealand star and lock forward Feleti Mateo made a good offload for Martin Kennedy to cross over untouched. Prince nailed the conversion and the Aussies led 18-4 at the break.
The second half was all PNG, with five-eighth Dion Aiye stepping up in defence and good solid runs from prop Enoch Maki, Esau Siune, Rodney Pora and Larsen Marabe.
The local boys scored the first unconverted try through winger Albert Patak from a cross kick by Eliab and trailed 18-8 before second rower David Loko scored from a short grubber kick from Aiye. Eliab this time raised the flag and the host trailed the Australians 18-14.
Despite the big hits from the Australians, PNG stood firm; but it was a different story for the visitors - Mathew Ryan and Beau Ryan were hit hard and laid low before being taken out of the field from strong hits by the PNG boys.
PNG again went in for another try through center Richard Kambo, but Eliab did not convert and both sides were 18-18 all until the dying seconds when Prince placed a cross bomb on the 5th tackle.
Patak did not field the kick Australian winger Akuila Uate swooped on the ball to score.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said that he was very happy with the Kumuls performance yesterday.
He said that their performance on the field demonstrated that the young boys were now more than capable of winning in the future if they put more effort in their trainings and in the game. O’Neill said that the Government will now be committed to helping the PNG team in prepare for the World Cup.
The PM was a very happy man, watching the game all through congratulating the side and also thanking the Australian team for giving the Kumuls a good run in the game.
O’Neil was accompanied by Finance Minister James Marape, State Enterprise Minister Ben Micah, Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, as well as the Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop.
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Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Three matches for Kumuls
Source: Then National, Wednesday 12th September, 2012
By KEITH PUARIA
THE road to the 2013 Rugby League World
Cup begins for the Papua New Guinea Kumuls when a 40-man squad is announced this
week alongside the Prime Minister’s XIII side.
Kumuls coach Adrian Lam sat
with the PM’s XIII selection panel on Sunday after the Digicel Cup grand final,
and there is no doubt he would have reminded the panel about the World Cup
build-up.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League caretaker administrator Ivan
Ravu indicated the PM’s XII match was not the only game for the
Kumuls.
“There is a lot of work to do for the PM’s XIII Sept 23 match, but
also for preparing our national team for the world cup,” Ravu said.
“The
40-man squad that will be announced will come from our local competition, and
the others will come from overseas competitions.”
“There is agreement with
other overseas competitions for our players in the UK, so we are not able to
pick them at the moment.”
The immediate commitment for those selected to the
larger Kumuls squad will be a camp in early January.
Trials will be played at
the end of the camp, from where a 24-man squad will be picked to travel to
Sydney to play Australian National Rugby League side South Sydney.
“That same
side will play a club from the Queensland Intrust Cup in Brisbane, on their way
back home,” Ravu said.
He pointed again to the PM’s XIII challenge and
preparations leading to it.
“Otherwise, the Lloyd Robson oval is currently
going through a minor facelift for our immediate task of exposing a PM’s side
against the Australians.”
“Work is underway also on the ground and the
playing surface, a lot of manual work to do, irrigation, especially so the
surface is good enough and up to standard.”
Australia, meanwhile, named their
18-man touring team to Port Moresby after the initial 35-man squad announced two
weeks ago was trimmed
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Pukpuks retain FORU Cup
Source: Sports, Post Courier, November 05 2011
By WENDY KATUSELE
After going through the tournament undefeated the icing to the cake was to beat Niue in their final encounter which the relatively young side just did with ease to come out 36-7 victors following a three day gruesome tournament which started last Tuesday.
The Pukpuks thrashed Vanuatu 78-3 in the opener on Tuesday and beat Solomon Islands Warriors 33-15.Coming out on top now means PNG has set a date with Fiji one of the Oceania teams in this year’s World Cup which was placed last for the region, at a later date.
But up against Fiji would be a mammoth task for PNG to come up with the size to withstand the towering and bulky Fijians.
For the Pukpuks, it was a physical encounter in the first 20 minutes before Sevens specialist and fullback Christopher Kakah scored from the corner to put PNG ahead.
Not long after, it was No 8 Billy Torea who crossed over the tryline with Wesley Rooney finding the uprights for a 12-nil half time score.
Pukpuks came back strongly in the second half wasted no time with winger Andrew Samson running a few yards to off load the ball to fast finishing Tisa Kautu who set up Philip Suapoto score a converted try.
The appearance of experienced prop Wesley Thomas for Shane Amean saw the big guy’s entry a boost to the forward pack.
But Pukpuks could have ran away with a thrashing scoreline if it was not for many dropped balls.
Pukpuks other tries came from Torea, Rooney and replacement Kumalau Auru from a good set play initiated by Kakah who was moved to wing when captain Jonah Kautu Jnr was brought in from the bench.
The move from Kakah with a pass to workaholic Kautu who fended off several defenders before off loading to Auru for the final try for the day.
Niue’s only try was scored by winger Jeremiah Makavilitogia.
Captain Luka Gibb admitted his side was up against a very fast Pukpuks line up.
Winning captain Jonah Kautu Jnr gave heaps of praise to his charges for a job well done adding they would not have done it without the home crowd behind them.
The loss by Niue allowed Solomon Islands to finish second behind the Pukpuks after they beat Vanuatu 48-20 earlier in the day.
An elated coach Ike Ketane said it took him seven weeks to put the team together and the team performed beyond expectations.
“It’s a great effort for my very young team and to finish second is just great,” Ketane said.
“The team has gained a lot of experience from this tournament and we will build there from here and most off all congratulations to my boys for coming this far,” Ketane added.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Show time for Legends
Source: The National, Friday 18th November 2011
By KEVIN TEME
PORT Moresby residents will have the opportunity to see the former National Rugby League stars in action for during the Ela Motors Legend’s of League match tomorrow.
Most will want to see how great players like former Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons can recapture some of that brilliant instinctive play against his peers on Lloyd Robson Oval.
It will be an historic moment when PNG hosts for the first time an NRL legends match that was the idea of the PNG NRL Bid and aimed at promoting rugby league to the masses and showing the NRL that PNG is capable of hosting big matches.
Lyons is one player whose name and playing style would have won many fans from the late 1980s to the 1990s.
The spritely 50-year-old is a familiar face to local fans having represented Australian in 1991 during a tour of the country with games played in Goroka, Lae and Port Moresby.
“I am happy to be back here and it’s a great opportunity for PNG and it’s good for the future of the game,” Lyons said.
The former New South Wales player (1987-1991) can not wait to run out tomorrow and is looking forward to a good show with the other stars he had played along side and against.
“It’s good to catch up with my old mates and before I came I had sore leg after a game of touch footy but I am okay now and I’m looking forward to the game,” he said.
“It should be an entertaining show, not so much of a brutal showdown like what you see on TV but it will surely make your weekend an enjoyable one.”
With 34 legends assembled in Port Moresby the weekend’s action is expected to draw fans, particularly, those of the older generation who will remember the exploits of several of the former NRL stars such as Lyons, St George Illawara flyer Nathan Blacklock, Melbourne Storms lock Scott Hill and utility Matt Geyer, Newcastle Knights fullback Robbie O’Davis, Brisbane Broncos Julian O’Neill and Cronulla Sharks trio David Peachey, Les Davidson and Martin Lang.
The match will follow a State of Origin theme which will see the Bisley New South Wales Blues take on the SP Queensland Maroons.
By KEVIN TEME
PORT Moresby residents will have the opportunity to see the former National Rugby League stars in action for during the Ela Motors Legend’s of League match tomorrow.
Most will want to see how great players like former Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons can recapture some of that brilliant instinctive play against his peers on Lloyd Robson Oval.
It will be an historic moment when PNG hosts for the first time an NRL legends match that was the idea of the PNG NRL Bid and aimed at promoting rugby league to the masses and showing the NRL that PNG is capable of hosting big matches.
Lyons is one player whose name and playing style would have won many fans from the late 1980s to the 1990s.
The spritely 50-year-old is a familiar face to local fans having represented Australian in 1991 during a tour of the country with games played in Goroka, Lae and Port Moresby.
“I am happy to be back here and it’s a great opportunity for PNG and it’s good for the future of the game,” Lyons said.
The former New South Wales player (1987-1991) can not wait to run out tomorrow and is looking forward to a good show with the other stars he had played along side and against.
“It’s good to catch up with my old mates and before I came I had sore leg after a game of touch footy but I am okay now and I’m looking forward to the game,” he said.
“It should be an entertaining show, not so much of a brutal showdown like what you see on TV but it will surely make your weekend an enjoyable one.”
With 34 legends assembled in Port Moresby the weekend’s action is expected to draw fans, particularly, those of the older generation who will remember the exploits of several of the former NRL stars such as Lyons, St George Illawara flyer Nathan Blacklock, Melbourne Storms lock Scott Hill and utility Matt Geyer, Newcastle Knights fullback Robbie O’Davis, Brisbane Broncos Julian O’Neill and Cronulla Sharks trio David Peachey, Les Davidson and Martin Lang.
The match will follow a State of Origin theme which will see the Bisley New South Wales Blues take on the SP Queensland Maroons
Most will want to see how great players like former Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons can recapture some of that brilliant instinctive play against his peers on Lloyd Robson Oval.
It will be an historic moment when PNG hosts for the first time an NRL legends match that was the idea of the PNG NRL Bid and aimed at promoting rugby league to the masses and showing the NRL that PNG is capable of hosting big matches.
Lyons is one player whose name and playing style would have won many fans from the late 1980s to the 1990s.
The spritely 50-year-old is a familiar face to local fans having represented Australian in 1991 during a tour of the country with games played in Goroka, Lae and Port Moresby.
“I am happy to be back here and it’s a great opportunity for PNG and it’s good for the future of the game,” Lyons said.
The former New South Wales player (1987-1991) can not wait to run out tomorrow and is looking forward to a good show with the other stars he had played along side and against.
“It’s good to catch up with my old mates and before I came I had sore leg after a game of touch footy but I am okay now and I’m looking forward to the game,” he said.
“It should be an entertaining show, not so much of a brutal showdown like what you see on TV but it will surely make your weekend an enjoyable one.”
With 34 legends assembled in Port Moresby the weekend’s action is expected to draw fans, particularly, those of the older generation who will remember the exploits of several of the former NRL stars such as Lyons, St George Illawara flyer Nathan Blacklock, Melbourne Storms lock Scott Hill and utility Matt Geyer, Newcastle Knights fullback Robbie O’Davis, Brisbane Broncos Julian O’Neill and Cronulla Sharks trio David Peachey, Les Davidson and Martin Lang.
The match will follow a State of Origin theme which will see the Bisley New South Wales Blues take on the SP Queensland Maroons.
By KEVIN TEME
PORT Moresby residents will have the opportunity to see the former National Rugby League stars in action for during the Ela Motors Legend’s of League match tomorrow.
Most will want to see how great players like former Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons can recapture some of that brilliant instinctive play against his peers on Lloyd Robson Oval.
It will be an historic moment when PNG hosts for the first time an NRL legends match that was the idea of the PNG NRL Bid and aimed at promoting rugby league to the masses and showing the NRL that PNG is capable of hosting big matches.
Lyons is one player whose name and playing style would have won many fans from the late 1980s to the 1990s.
The spritely 50-year-old is a familiar face to local fans having represented Australian in 1991 during a tour of the country with games played in Goroka, Lae and Port Moresby.
“I am happy to be back here and it’s a great opportunity for PNG and it’s good for the future of the game,” Lyons said.
The former New South Wales player (1987-1991) can not wait to run out tomorrow and is looking forward to a good show with the other stars he had played along side and against.
“It’s good to catch up with my old mates and before I came I had sore leg after a game of touch footy but I am okay now and I’m looking forward to the game,” he said.
“It should be an entertaining show, not so much of a brutal showdown like what you see on TV but it will surely make your weekend an enjoyable one.”
With 34 legends assembled in Port Moresby the weekend’s action is expected to draw fans, particularly, those of the older generation who will remember the exploits of several of the former NRL stars such as Lyons, St George Illawara flyer Nathan Blacklock, Melbourne Storms lock Scott Hill and utility Matt Geyer, Newcastle Knights fullback Robbie O’Davis, Brisbane Broncos Julian O’Neill and Cronulla Sharks trio David Peachey, Les Davidson and Martin Lang.
The match will follow a State of Origin theme which will see the Bisley New South Wales Blues take on the SP Queensland Maroons
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