By Dinnierose Raiko – EMTV Sport, Port Moresby
Ranking third in the world and number one in the Pacific, the PNG Men’s Touch team is hopeful to be given recognition as they have been nominated for the SP Awards in the Team of the Year category. The winners of the awards will be announced this Saturday at the 2016 SP Awards.
Well before their debut in the international scene in 2015 followed by their well-executed game in the Pacific Games, the team has been facing challenges but that has not stopped them from building in the sport.
It is the first of its kind for the PNG Men’s Touch Team to be nominated for an SP Award and they are hopeful their efforts will be recognised.
Since their debut in the international scene and their gold medal win in the Pacific games, the team has dedicated it to the country for being behind them.
Apart from the lead up games in Australia, the team never had any world ranking before taking part in the World Cup last year.
Coming from Sabama and Kaugere, most of the players have come a long way to have taken PNG Rugby Touch to the highest level of competition in the world.
Despite their absence in the previous World Cup in Scotland, the Men’s Team did not waste the first opportunity they got in the international scene, they are now ranked third and they are confident to move higher.
Nominated under the Team of the Year Category, Team Captain Eugene Eka is hopeful his team will be recognised for their contribution to sports in the country.
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