By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
The team to compete at the Pacific Games is no stranger to the rugby fraternity in Papua New Guinea.
The only change to the side is the inclusion of Jordan Tkatchenko and David Eri.
There is now however, high expectation for Hubert Tseraha, Buttler Morris and Wesley Vali to replicate their combination from the Hong Kong 7s.
Although young, the team has been intact for the last 18 months, and have exceeded expectations.
As captain, Hubert Tseraha is backing the boys to do exceptionally well, especially after coming off a great performance in Hong Kong.
“We got some good results from Hong Kong, but we have a lot more to do. The boys have been pushing really hard at training, and are in good shape.”
Tseraha also said, the inclusion of David Eri will bring much needed experience and maturity to the team, while the only debutant, Jordan Tkatchenko, could bring an element of surprise to the competition.
“I’m confident with the boys; they’re training well and they’re giving their best.”
While the team’s performance at the Pacific Games could be easily debateable, with Fiji expected to select a top team, and Cook Islands and Samoa to bring tough competition, the boys are backed by a wealth of experience from Coach Billy Rapilla and Douglas Guise who have played in previous Games.
PUMA ENERGY PUKPUKS SQUAD: Eugene Tokavai, Henry Kalua, Buttler Morris, David Eri, Hensley Peter, Arthur Clement, Tisa Kautu, Hubert Tseraha, Max Vali, Wesley Vali, William Rew, Jordan Tkatchenko
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3WiBjX81M%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
