PNG Rugby Union Blog

Pay hike for PNG rugby

2007-02-28T14:19:00.000+10:00

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

2007-01-23T21:19:00.000+10:00

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

2007-01-23T20:43:00.000+10:00

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

2007-01-18T11:01:00.000+10:00

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

2007-01-12T09:25:00.000+10:00

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

U19 squad for rugby tour

2006-12-20T09:49:00.000+10:00

THE PNG Under 19 team to the rugby World Cup qualifiers in Brisbane, Australia, next month will be announced on Friday.
Coach Morea Kauna told The National PNG had a daunting task to overcome a much bigger Cook Islands team.
The World Cup qualifier is slated for Jan 20 against the Cook Islands. Winners advance to the World Cup in Ireland in June next year.
He said with introduced Mangi Rugby concept should be baseline for junior rugby development in the country.
Morea said 40 players in Port Moresby and 18 in Lae were undergoing intensive training.
The Lae boys are training under PNG Rugby Football Union’s development officer Robin Tarere.
Kauna said a trial match was planned to pit Port Moresby players against Lae players.
He said the short notice by International Rugby Board left PNGRFU with no options.
“We hope to get a strong side to Brisbane considering the Cook Islands for their renowned big sizes will be a big difference and especially having most of their young players already playing professional football in either Australia or New Zealand,” Kauna said.
He said the squad were working on fitness and skills.
The final team are expected to assemble in Port Moresby in Jan 10.

PNG's bid for 7s

2006-11-22T11:47:00.000+10:00

NATIONAL selectors have named a number of “top gun” players in a bid to resurrect the spiraling form of the Papua New Guinea team on the IRB World Sevens Series circuit.
Goroka powerhouse Yaisuo Giheno, Kavieng’s Eremas Simba, St Joseph’s College Old Boys Kori Chan, Madang journey-man Joseph Wamapiri and Mendi Muruks try-scoring freak Wesley Benny give a new outlook to the training squad. Probably the stand-out “gun’’ selection would have to be the explosive finishing power of Pukpuk wingers Richard Mark and Gina Ponda together with rising bolters David Eri and Emmanuel Auru.
The 22-man squad was selected after stand-out performances during the recent MRDC PNG Sevens and throughout the year, monitored under the national development squad.
The squad will form the basis of next year’s proposed tournaments.
PNGRFU chief executive officer Peter Tsiamalili jnr yesterday outlined the tournaments earmarked for 2007 were the Darwin Sevens, Fiji Sevens, IRB Wellington Sevens (February 3-4) and the Pacific Games (August).
Tsiamalili jnr said due to the Fiji Sevens being held at the same time as the Darwin tournament on January 19-20, they are just waiting on latest developments to decide which one to attend.
“The Fiji Sevens is not back on the World Sevens circuit but it is a sanctioned IRB second-tier satellite tournament,” he said.
“The Fijians are inviting all the best in the South Pacific and should prove to be a great stepping stone for the team when it is finalised,” he added.
With the form of the PNG Sevens side at its lowest ebb on the world scene…national selectors and national coach Sailosi Druma are searching for those “gun’’ players to make a difference.
A team of 12 will be finalised over the next six weeks.
The PNG Sevens squad: Eremas Simba, Yaisuo Giheno, Alex Haija, Stephen Iko, Aaron Miai, Daniel Siaguru, Willie Rikis (forwards/strikers), Jack Maraha, Joseph Wamapiri, Adeck Naio, Kori Chan, Matagal Tamilong, Douglas Guise (play-makers), Gina Ponda, Richard Mark, Consie Lumaris, David Eri, Roland Namo, Emmanuel Auru, Karo Kauna, Laseng Pasen, Wesley Benny (runners/finishers).
All players are required to contact the Rugby PNG office on phone 323 4212 for further information.

Ex-Pukpuk passes away

2006-11-22T00:27:00.002+10:00

ONE of Papua New Guinea’s unsung heroes that put the Pukpuks on the World Sevens map during the early 90’s has passed away. Sukope Tova kicked his last chip and chase when he surprisingly passed away early yesterday morning. Suks, as he is commonly known, was one of the few that could be described as world class to represent PNG. World class…was how former PNG Sevens coach and former Wallaby winger Brendan Moon once described the rangy footballer from Gulf Province. In recent times that statement is as rare as a Pukpuks qualifying for the World Cup.

As a five-eight, he had the reach of back-rower, could step off both feet, pass effectively on both sides, – often regathered his chip kicks – and had a knack for kicking field-goals to win matches. He didn’t come from a well-off background growing up at borderline at Hohola…but that’s where he learned all the tricks of the trade. As a junior Suks was already stepping out in rugby league when he represented the Junior Kumuls to New Zealand. However it wasn’t until he had a taste for sevens rugby when joined up with the Barbarians and later Brothers and Defence club that he would see his talent go on to take on the world’s best at the Hong Kong Sevens. At that time the Hong Kong Sevens was the premier world event for sevens rugby.

It couldn’t have been more timely as it was also the grooming of another world rated sevens scrum-half, Geoffrey Homerang. The combination was deadly during those years especially when they had a powerful line-up that included classy finishers David Aisoli, Morea Kauna, Aiem Pilokos, Richard Masere, Boudie Meapo, David Pera, George Pitalai, Robin Tarare, David Tiki and Ame Mowagi to name a few. Suks, or Egu, by his teammates, lived a turbulent life on and off rugby to survive in the city. He was a true rugby man that will be missed by his former teammates and family.

A tearful senior rugby development officer Robin Tarere yesterday said: “Suks was one of those few that gave a lot to the development of rugby and took nothing back in return. “I commend him for taking up the initiative to develop future players in his suburb at Hohola during last weeks Rookies sevens…the PNGRFU should recognise that,” he added. Suks was currently heavily involved in the Hohola off-season league before his untimely passing. The last time I saw him was on the bench for the Kerema side that took part in the MRDC Sevens over the weekend. His rugby career took him to Darwin, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Fiji until last representing the Pukpuks in 1995. His humility and cheerful outgoing character was always his best attribute. From nothing he became somebody. Rest in Peace, Hero.

New Era

2006-11-22T00:27:00.001+10:00

WOMEN'S rugby is taking off with the announcement of the inaugural Papua New Guinea Raggianas development squad. The squad was named following the highly successful Rookies Sevens tournament for women and Under 19 boys last Thursday and Friday at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby. Rookie Sevens chairperson and womens rugby chief Cybele Druma said that it is hoped that they would be able to send a final PNG Raggianas side to the Darwin Sevens tournament slated for January 20-21 next year. “Sponsorship would play a big role in acquiring that objective though,” she added. She also took the opportunity plead for potential sponsors to contact her on Ph. 323 5251. The resonance of their activity has pitched nationwide. Druma said they received an invitation from Goroka to play.

“Interest continues to grow everyday and we are a determined lot to make this concept work down the track,” she added. It was an eye-opener for both the players and spectators, to say the least. Accustomed to seeing only men getting into the rough stuff is set to be a thing of the past…according to these determined women. The two-day competition for the four teams sought to itemise the best from the rest. Not only did the women come to show they could play, but they also reveled in entertaining the crowd with their newly acquired skills. There were a number of highlights but those that stuck would have to be the one-woman demolition queen Jackie Maso with her big hits and the try-scoring antics of her Stocks & Partners Brumbies team mate Pauline Arazi.

The obvious crowd favourite was Margaret “scruffy” Naua from the NACS & VK Warriors side with team mate and touch-rugby representative Alice Theodore. That’s not to forget the heavy-handed defensive antics of props Cybel Druma and Dorcas Marenjambi who peppered the opposition with their smothering hits. The Island Club Ende Yomba halves combination of Ruth Omenefa and Richanda Kassman was a feature combination which led to the play-off in the final. However, it was the Tisa Nadis combination of Naomi Haro, Joyce Idonis, Susie Tongia and Kylie Benny that stole the show with their ability to create openings to score. Tisa Nadis won K2500 for winning the Cup, Niel Daniel’s Island Club Ende Yomba the Cup runner-up and K500, NACS & VK Warriors in third and Stocks & Partners Brumbies in fourth. In the Under-19 boys, the Cup winners were LaSallians coached by former star PNG Sevens international and former PNGRFU chairman Soiat Williams. LaSallians pocketed K2500 after beating Defence in the Cup final.

The plate winners were Wari Vele Taurama Diggers and Hohola the Bowl winners. Both beat the spirited Elevala Village side and Gerehu Rats respectively. Individual trophies: Best Defender – U19 – Roger Laka, Best Defender – Women – Jackie Maso, Best Attacker – U19 – Andrew Samson, Best Attacker – Women – Richanda Kassman, Top Try Scorer – U19 – Steven Jacob, Top Try Scorer – Women – Pauline Arazi, Most Flamboyant Player – U19 – Ricky Sauaraba, Most Flamboyant Player – Women – Margaret [Scruff] Naua, Rookie of the Tournament – U19 – Arron Kare Rookie of the Tournament – Women – Lydia Evosa, Most Valuable Player (MVP) – U19 – Baron Kengi, Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Naomi Haro. The PNG Raggianas development squad: Naomi Haro, Sarah Tsiamalili, Kila Karara, Lydia Avosa, Jane Buku, Emily Jabb, Cybele Druma, Richanda Kassman, Susanna Tongia, Suzie Kapua, Joyce Mokis, Sylvia Magaru, Fiona Magaru, Rutha Meu Omenefa, Joyce Idonis, Aiyenu Tabua, Kylie Benny, Felicity Paru, Iga Oki, Margaret Naua, Jennifer Tigilai, Alice Theodore, Annabelle Robby.

Menjals triumph, win K20,000

2006-11-22T00:26:00.001+10:00

THE Southern Highlands Mendi Menjals threw a spanner in the works when they took centre stage in winning the MRDC Papua New Guinea Sevens Cup and K20,000 prize-money. The Menjals, filtered with SP Cup rugby league Mendi Muruks players, sent the visiting St Joeys Old Boys of Sydney packing with a 35-17 belting in the Cup final at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby yesterday. Both sides — participating as invited teams — sent worrying signals to the rugby hierarchy with their Cup final appearance.

Both sides were, however, deserved finalists after putting on breathtaking performances to brush off New Guinea Islands sides Kavieng and Manus in the Cup semi-finals. The Joeys Old Boys led by Kori Chan, Daniel Lewinski, John Bowman, Tom Freeman and their Port Moresby ring-ins Dominic Livuana, Adeck Naio, Deakan Degoba, Karo Kauna and Lawrence Acanufa were the surprise package. The performance of rising stars in Livuana and Naio begs the question of their omission in the city side. In weekend of surprises traditional top fancies Goroka Kilituas didn’t fire but managed to win the Bowl over Kimbe 45-33, Lae bombed out altogether and Port Moresby could only manage the Plate. Port Moresby beat a determined Alois King Mad Gauns 26-5.

The Menjals were the toast of the two-day rugby spectacular with their evasive rugby, speed and uncanny ability to score tries from anywhere. Skipper Alex Haija and Mendi Muruks star forward Joseph Omai were the only two with rugby playing background . . . but made up for that with their innovative style that crumbled the best of sides. Despite the St Joeys Old Boys opening up with the first try to the stocky Lewinski the latter opened the flood-gates through PNG President’s 13 representatives Wesley Benny, Andy Andrew and Sova Wilfred to lead 15-5 at half-time. The second-half saw no let-up from the Menjals as they toyed with their opponents to score through Haija, Benny and Andrew for their second and the last to George Moni.

Despite two late tries from St Joeys the Southern Highlanders were too strong to hold out for the rousing win. Highlights of the weekend were the exploits of Pukpuk wingers Richard Mark playing for Kavieng and Gina Ponda for Kimbe. Other new stars that shone were Port Moresby utility Emmanuel Auro, Manus flyer David Eri and Kavieng’s Consi Lumaris. The major upset of the weekend was Manus nailing Port Moresby 31-12 on day one. Other centres that took part were Oro, Alotau, Daru, Autonomous Region of Bougainville and invited sides from Tabubil, Kerema and Central. MRDC managing director Francis Kaupa announced that this would be the last national sevens tournament they would sponsor . . . completing a six-year commitment.

Goroka 7s ready

2006-11-22T00:25:00.000+10:00

THE Goroka Kilituas are primed to blow all before them for the K20,000 winners pay cheque in this weekend’s Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) National Sevens. Last year Goroka clubs — Silverbacks (Cup winner) and Nokondi Yagunas (Cup runner-up) stole the lime-light to pocket a cool K25,000 from the K32,000 on offer. MRDC has again come good with the total prize-money of K32,000 from a total package of K60,000 from their subsidiary companies Petroleum Resources Kutubu and Kutubu Security Services. This time, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) has changed the format for only provincial sides to participate.

Other centres taking part are Lae, Daru, Popondetta, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Kimbe, Manus, Madang, Alotau and hosts Port Moresby. The invited teams are Tabubil, Mendi, Kerema, Brisbane PNG Boys, Central and the only overseas side Sydney Joeys Old Boys. For Goroka, going on their win last year they are definite pre-post favourites. The crack squad is filtered with a wealth of experience from former and current PNG Sevens representatives to throw the challenge down at the Lloyd Robson Oval over the next two days.

Joeys return

2006-11-21T23:57:00.000+10:00

FIVE old boys from St Joseph’s college association in Australia visited East New Britain to conduct a one-day rugby union clinic to 10 and 12-year-old school students.
The boys included Kori Chan, Tom Freeman, Daniel Lewinski, Jono Bowman and Ben Fitzpatrick.
The boys also took part in the MRDC rugby union sevens where they finished second, losing to Mendi Menjals in the cup final.
The boys’ trip was sponsored by the Macquarie Bank, Tropicana, Lings Freezers, South Sea Horizons and MRDC.
They arrived in the province last week Monday and started the clinic at the OLSH international school and Rabaul Sacred Heart International.
More than 125 students from various schools in the province took part in the clinic.
Team leader Tom Freeman said they normally do camps through out Australia.
He said last year they went to Tonga but this year through contacts with Kori Chan who was brought up in Rabaul and a former student at the St Joseph College decided to come to Rabaul.
Freeman who works for the Macquarie Bank said the connections with Chan set a level of trust.
The law and order problem faced in the country was not a hindrance for them to come to the province.
They returned to Port Moresby last week Thursday and flew back to Australia on the same day.