By Dinnierose Raiko – EMTV Sports, Port Moresby
The PNG Palais have had their fair share of trials and are looking to better their next performance when they compete in the trials in Australia in two weeks’ time.
Coach John Larry told EMTV Sports that trainings started last November which brought them to the HSBC Sydney 7s. And they are now back in training for their Brisbane hit out and the Hong Kong 7s.
Like the Pukpuks, the HSBC Kong 7s is crucial for the Palais as well.
In an interview with EMTV Sports, Coach John Larry spoke of upcoming events the Palais will be competing in.
“We’re looking forward to Hong Kong and we have been in training since November 2017. We are going to Brisbane in two weeks’ time for our trial matches against some top clubs in Brisbane. That’s where we’ll pick the final 12 players for Hong Kong,” said Coach Larry.
The team returned from Sydney 7s nursing a few injuries but have been recovering smoothly as training continues.
“We have six new girls joining the team from Brisbane and one from Sydney. They will join us in camp. So it is a big challenge but I have to look at the best to take to Hong Kong for the HSBC Full Circuit Qualifier. There are only four spots and we are working very hard for it,” he added.
Speaking of their improvement areas, Coach Larry said, line defence, communication as well as a refresher on rules are at the top of their list right now.
Coach Larry also echoed Pukpuks Coach, Douglas Guise’s concern on the need for more financial support.
“The boys (Pukpuks) and the girls (Palais) are still looking for sponsors. That’s the main issue we are now facing. That’s one of the main factors that have been letting our program down and I would like to see the Government and business houses helping us,” stressed the Palais Coach.
