18 Naval Officers from the HMPNGS Tarangau base in Lombrum, are amongst the PNG Defence Force military personnel competing for the 2017 Commander’s Cup.
The team consists of 15 rugby union players and three officials.
They are one of the two teams representing the Sea Element in the PNG Defense Force Commander’s Cup challenge.
Believed to have the smallest number of players, the HMPNGS Tarangau Sharks are eyeing the Commander’s Cup just like an eagle.
They are the one of the two naval teams taking part in this competition, the other being HMPNGS Basilisk, based in Port Moresby.
Dressed in Black and White jerseys, the colours reflect the uniform of a Naval Officer.
Most of these sea men have two to three years of experience out at sea and some were part of the team that won a shield in the 2016 Exercise Kakadu in Australia.
Team Manager Lenny Tom said most of the players have a background in Rugby League but this competition gives them a chance to play Rugby Union.
The Tarangaus have travelled all the way from Lombrum in Manus to participate in this military challenge.
They played two games yesterday, one was a draw and the other, a loss to the PNGDF Headquarter Chiefs.
And for today’s game, the Tarangau Sharks have played against both Infantry teams of the PNG Defence Force, the First and Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiments.
