Pay hike for PNG rugby

RUGBY Papua New Guinea’s allocation from the International Rugby Board (IRB) has been beefed up to GBP £70,000 (K406,000.00) for 2007.

That’s a further GBP £10,000 from the last two years allocation.

The pay hike is evidence the world governing body is beginning to recognise the good work of the PNGRFU.
PNG Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) chief executive officer Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said while it had been tough, there had been steady progress since 2003.

“The road has been tough for the rugby office but at the end of the day it is paying dividends,” he said.
Tsiamalili Jnr made reference to the achievements of their key performance indicators that have impressed the IRB.
“We (PNGRFU) have achieved a pathway for our players to go to another level through the Super 4s.
“That also goes for referees and coaches as well,” he added.

This year will be the fourth year for the Super 4s national provincial championships.
“The Super 4s has proven to be the pinnacle for our growth and engine-room,” he added.
The IRB has also seen the growth in numbers from nine unions in 2003 to now 15 across the country.
“With the blooming out of women’s rugby and schoolboys breaking out slowly as well we can expect the trend to continue,” he added.

The increased regular visits of IRB development officers Peter Gofton (referee) and Nathan Holman (coaching) further supports the continued good work of the rugby office.

Gofton and Holman will be making their first visit tomorrow. They will reroute to Lae for the second annual PNGRFU presidents conference on Saturday.

Tsiamalili Jnr said the duo will run their ongoing workshops starting in Lae on Monday, February 18, then to Kokopo on Wednesday and Thursday and finally to Port Moresby on Friday and Saturday.

Those expected to at the presidents conference are: Joel Misirom (Alotau), Stalin Samabuka (Bougainville), Paul Johnson (Daru), Allan Toluana (East New Britain), Bernard Noibano (Goroka), Robert Tembon (Mount Hagen), Paul Joseph (Madang), Ian Leklek (Manus), Bau Waulas (New Ireland), Emmanuel Narokobi (Port Moresby), Winter Monagi (Oro), Freddie Matthies (West New Britain), Dickson Koyingu (Wewak), Reah Henao (Morobe) and Cyble Druma (PNG women).

PNG sevens coach Sailosi Druma

Classy Drifters win Hottest 7's - 22jan07

By GREGOR MACTAGGART

WAISALE Serevi showed just why he is the sevens master, producing a virtuoso display to guide a six-man South Sea Drifters to an epic 26-19 Heineken Hottest 7's in the World Final victory over Aussie Spirit last night.In a sensational finish to an exceptional two-day tournament, Serevi and partner in crime Lepani Nabuliwaqa were outstanding as the Fijians held off a last-ditch Spirit bid to win the $14,000 first prize.

The final started in the most-sensational fashion when Semisi Muakalou was sent off in the opening minute for a spear tackle.

And when Ryan Strelow crossed to give the Spirit an early lead shortly after, you could have thought the Drifters chances were dashed.

But liked caged lions, they responded and three quick tries including the try of the match from Nabuliwaqa led the red-hot Drifters to a 19-5 halftime lead.

Spirit coach Glen Ella rang the changes at the break, but a Serevi extended the score to 26-5 before the Spirit stormed back with tries to Tim Cornforth and Nick Cummins.

Though it proved to be a case of too little too late as the Drifters hung on for a famous victory.

As the large Austar Rugby Park crowd swarmed like bees around him Serevi expressed his delight in winning the title.

``We are very happy,'' Serevi said.

``I am very proud of all of the players for their efforts, they played very well it was an excellent finish to our time in Darwin.''

Serevi may be regarded as the sevens king, but there is no doubt he has found an heir to his throne in 26-year-old Nabuliwaqa.

Opponents all week have been left clutching air as he shimmied his way to an array of tries and he didn't disappoint in the final.

Nursing a sore stomach after a heavy hit from a Spirit rival, the humble halfback paid tribute to Serevi and his team-mates for keeping cool when the heat was on.

``To win the title is a very nice feeling,'' Nabuliwaqa said.

``Even though we only had six players we didn't panic, we know that we can play well and of course we thank the Lord for what he has given us today.''

Nabuliwaqa added the team would celebrate in traditional fashion.

``Yes we will all sit around together and have some kava, it is great to celebrate with all the boys when you win.''

The match was the best of the four finals played throughout the divisions.

SA claimed the Buff Final after an easy 29-5 win over Ronin Impact.

Skipper Andrew Farquharson was outstanding for the Croweaters.

A mercurial display from Jamie Blajewski helped the NT Invitational side to a 15-0 Jabiru (women's) final victory over SA, while fellow locals Brahmans took home the Barra Final after a 31-0 belting of Coates Pioneers.

PNG Barbarians playmaker David Eri was named player of the tournament, while the Darwin Dingoes were the best performed of the Territory teams.

A Great Report from Wendy Seymour

On behalf of the PNG Association and Community I would like to thank Bruce Kennon for the kind donations of the 10 old water bottles you managed to collect for me after I had asked you. They came in handy for the PNG Turagu Team (the 2nd PNG mens team) on Saturday as we had an esky full of fruits and excess frozen water bottles to take to them. The other 2 x PNG Teams who were the PNG Barbarians (PNG National Mens Team and number 1 team) and the PNG Raggianas (who were the PNG National Womens Team) were adequately supplied on Saturday. On Sunday they came in handy again not only for drinking but also to keep the esky and other food stuffs cold.

We have since found out it was the first time PNG had ever entered 3 teams for the Hottest 7's here in Darwin. The PNG Barbarians have previous experience in International Hottest 7's participating in places like Wellington NZ, and Singapore, etc. With a couple or so of the mens team from the PNG National Mens 15's called the Puk Puks (which means crocodiles in PNG tok pisin) participating in the games. This included the skipper of the Puk Puks (the tall Kavieng one with the tail at the back of his head, for those of you watched the games.)

The PNG Turagu Team were made up of players who missed out on the selection of the mens national side for the Barbarians. However they performed tremendously and put on a magnificent show. (All 3 teams did.)

Some of the things I was observing whilst the 3 teams were playing were:

1. How well were they able to play in Darwin's wet seasons extreme heat because it was their first time. I was concerned about dehydration and extreme heat exhaustion. Nil casualty in this area as they took notice to drink as much water as they possibly can. I have encouraged them to mentor PNG athletes preparing for the Arafura Games. They played in the wet season which is more hotter and humid than the dry NT season yet they were still able to perform however due to global warming I don't know how this will affect this year's Arafura Games.

2. Nutrition of the players - enough sodium (salt) and electrolytes. With the amount of sweating, etc a lot of sodium and electrolytes would have been lost. Therefore how good was their diet before they came here and during their stay here. They are extremely fit and fast.

From my personal view during the semi finals on Sunday I noticed the PNG Turagu Team did not do much running around when they played their last game against Aussie Spirits. I observed that they may have used up all their stamina, endurance and that the heat would not have helped either.

So I will endeavour to get one of my Army Physical Training Instructor to give a list of recommended sustagens, etc so that I may be able to have available for them next year in the Hottest 7's in 2008. Maybe do up a list on nutrition, etc for all of them also. They may have to get that ADF personnel who drilled them in part of their training over in Port Moresby to drill them again to build their stamina and endurance level. Leave it for the coaches and team managers to deal with it.

I am also supporting PNG athletes participating in the Arafura Games 2007 in getting them to book their accomodations on time and acting as a go between for them on any matters they may query me about.

Overall a great performance during the event if only our people back in PNG were able to witness it. However some of the PNG community were able to come in and support the teams not realising that they were also witnessing history in the making for the first PNG Womens Rugby Union team ever to play for Papua New Guinea at an international event. I was honoured to be their liason personnel on behalf of the NTRU and on behalf of the PNG Association and PNG Community in the NT. The ladies only had 5 months training and went on to play against one of Australia's best womens national side South Australia to be defeated 15 d 12 in the semi finals of the Jabiru Womens Pool. The Darwin PNG Community Aunties and Uncles brought in food to the stadium and fed them throughout the weekend. We even had a welcoming kai (dinner/meal/lunch, etc) for them on Friday evening. All 3 teams were lost for words for the generosity and the hospitality of the PNG Community here who supported them. A couple of the Barbarian players told me it was like being home away from home and throughout their international careers they have never had such support from a PNG Community. I am assuming because no-one from PNG here in Australia or overseas have never thought about supporting PNG athletes when they compete overseas in the country they reside in. So looks like Darwin has paved the way for other PNG communities to consider doing something like this in the future if they wish.

There are a couple more people I have to thank of which you will be receiving more information on the 3 x PNG teams. I also hope that most of this information is relayed back to the PNG media and the PNG Sports Federation. They really need to take notice of what PNG athletes or sporting individual bodies have to say especially if those at executive level who had never played any sports in their life or competed at national or international level and have no idea how the rest of the sporting world operates. My sources also tell me they closed the door on the Raggianas when they asked for sponsorship to compete in the Hottest 7s.

For those of you who are into Rugby Union or League the place to shop for your favourite teams colours and logos is at:

The Rugby Shop

Mitchell Centre

55 Mitchell Street

DARWIN NT 0800

Those of you in PNG who might want to order on line try this website:

www.therugbyshop.com.au or email: rugbyshop@bigpond.com

Ph: (08) 8981 1433

Mobile: 0414 609 609

Fax: (08) 8981 1022

Those from PNG or overseas you have to look up the international code your end if you wish to contact the rugby shop by land line. I know our people are huge Rugby fans over there.

Those of you who are big Blues supporter make sure you get your Blues State of Origin jerseys, etc from here. I had a Blues State of Origin shirt but lost it to a Broncos supporter when she stayed overnight at my place LOL. Word of advice never loan your Blues shirt as a nightie or for people to wear. Now I have to get another one before this year's State of Origin. Go Blues! YES!!

Ok em tasol til the next update.

Regards

Wendy

CHAIRPERSON

PNG WELCOMING COMMITTEE

ARAFURA GAMES 2007

GPO BOX 2207

DARWIN NT 0801

AUSTRALIA

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union has been given a lifetime opportunity to have the first Under-19 Pukpuks team to qualify for the World U19 Championships

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union has been given a lifetime opportunity to have the first Under-19 Pukpuks team to qualify for the World U19 Championships in Ireland in April.

PNG Rugby Football Union chief executive officer Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said the invitation comes after the International Rugby Board (IRB), the mother body of rugby union, decided to create one more space for the Oceania region after Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Tonga.

This opportunity to qualify will be against our arch rival, the Cook Islands. The one-off qualifier will be held in Brisbane this Saturday.

“In our endeavor to ensure that we get the best players possible, we have to also select PNG blood players playing at school level and colts in Brisbane, Australia,” he said. “This qualifier is a lifetime opportunity for PNG Rugby and our Under-19 players,” he said.

““In this case, Rugby PNG is proud to announce Pacific MMI and MVIL as the major sponsors of the PNG Junior Pukpuks,” he added. Trukai Industries contribution is about K4600 with K1200 worth of promotional merchandise.

PNG Pukpuk Selection 2006 - 35 Man Train-On Squad

PNG Pukpuk Selection 2006 - 35 Man Train-On Squad
Name Position Zone
1 Sova Amet Prop Traders
2 Moses Koko Prop Highlanders
3 McMann Luke Prop Highlanders
4 Carl Hoot Prop Traders
5 Samson Noel Hooker Highlanders
6 Westley Thomas Hooker Traders
7 Willie Rikis Lock Traders
8 Jonathon Kairu Lock Traders
9 Starron Siaguru Lock Traders
10 June Makeu Lock Reds
11 Aaron Miai Blindside Traders
12 Limu Willie Blindside Highlanders
13 Eremas Simba Blindside Islanders
14 Cecil Davani Openside Traders
15 Albert Kaupa Openside Reds
16 Alex Haija Openside Traders
17 Danny Siaguru No.8 Traders
18 Yaisuo Giheno No.8 Highlanders
19 Lawrence Acanufa Half Back Traders
20 Peter Opa Half Back Reds
21 Joseph Wamapiri Half Back Reds
22 Francis Genia First Five Traders
23 Keith Puaria First Five Traders
24 Raymond Romalus Center Traders
25 Glenn Nami Center Highlanders
26 Chris Hogi Center Highlanders
27 Graeme Sakora Center Traders
28 Gina Ponda Wing Islanders
29 Richard Mark Wing Highlanders
30 Emmanuel Auru Wing Traders
31 David Eri Wing Traders
32 Roland Namo Fulback Traders
33 Douglas Guise Fullback Traders
34 Ralph Susuve Fullback Islanders
35 Raymond Tau Fullback Reds


Shadows
Name Position Zone
1 Manu Gairo Jr. Hooker Reds
2 Edeck Gula Lock Reds
3 Dereck Malom Openside Islanders
4 Lawrence Kuso Openside Highlanders
5 Winiston Koi No.8 Reds
6 Joe Koel No.8 Traders
7 Solomon Joseph First Five Highlanders
8 Jack Maraha Half Back Traders
9 Buckley Joseph First Five Islanders
10 Lua Wani Center Reds
11 Richard Nake Fullback Highlanders
12 Ian Tenevi Wing/Center Reds