By Elijah Lavett – EMTV Sports, Port Moresby
Debutants Brendon Nima and Edwin Ipape performed brilliantly in their first match in the red, black and gold jersey last weekend.
Both players were selected from the Uner 23 PNG Residents team that beat the New South Wales Country team earlier last month.
Nima and Ipape both scored tries on debut and are preparing for their 2nd match this weekend.
Brendon Nima and Edwin Ipape both played a major role in the team last weekend.
Both scored tries on debut and will be hoping to score more in the 2nd match on the weekend.
They were thrilled when they found out they made the Kumuls Team for the international series and were named in the starting line-up.
When interviewed by EMTV Sports, debutante Brendan Nima said, “I’m very happy that I scored a try and contributed to the team but there are some areas that I have failed. I need to return to training and work on those and look forward to the next game. ”
“I’m very happy that I made my debut on Saturday but I didn’t feel good that we lost the match. The game was fast.” said fellow debutante, Edwin Ipape.
Ipape started in the five-eighth position and was guided around the park by the experienced Ase Boas who came off the bench.
“Ase is a role model that we look up to, he is a leader on and off the field and I’m so grateful that I have been learning a lot from him,” said Ipape.
Brendon says he’s been learning new techniques during training from Captain David Mead and Nene MacDonald which will help to improve his game.
“The NRL boys and overseas players have taught us some skills for wingers. Nene, David Mead and Junior R who plays wing and Junior Rau who play in the winger (position) are teaching us how to catch the ball and make kick returns so we can prepare this weekend” Brendan said.
Nima and Ipape are preparing to put on the red, black and gold jersey once again to take on the England Knights this Saturday at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
