PNG Mosquitoes

“The preparation that the team went through before we went down to Melbourne was one of the toughest for us because the expectations of the people back home in PNG were really high.

“But the boys faced the challenges and took one game at a time. The grand final in 2017 against New Zealand was our hardest game. It was tougher than the 2014 win over Ireland.

“We didn’t know what to expect. It was very challenging and exciting as well. All credit goes back to the boys and the coaching staff, “said Jambarufo.

He is among three PNG Mosquitoes and two Flames players selected in the respective 2017 AFL International Cup World Teams.

Papua New Guinea’s elite AFL talent was recognised on the world stage at the Gala Dinner event held at Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.

Mozzies coach David Lake took home World Team Coach honours alongside New Zealand coach Rob Malone, as both men steered their teams to the Cup Final.

He issued the statement following the PNG Mosquitoes’ victory in Melbourne this weekend, making them back-to-back champions.

“I welcome the growing popularity of Aussie Rules in Papua New Guinea,” says PM Peter O’Neill.  

“It is a unique game in the world of sports and is another way that Papua New Guineans and Australians can form stronger bonds.

“There is plenty of room for the different codes of football to expand in Papua New Guinea.

"The PNG Mozzies have made our nation proud with their solid performance to win the AFL International Cup against our friends from New Zealand,” PM O’Neill said in a statement.

"It was a tough match-up of two very good teams and it was very well done by our boys to maintain their focus and win the game.

“As back-to-back champions, you have a lot to be proud of, and each of you is an inspiration to the youths of our nation.

“The Mozzies have again made Papua New Guinea proud and carried our flag high for the world to see.

It was a tough encounter at the Montrose Recreation Reserve, but the Mozzies proved the better side kicking 15 goals to win the match.

Meantime, round 4 will see the Mozzies take on South Africa on Tuesday, August 15 at Ransford Oval. 

(File picture) 

"We started the game with great intensity which translated to scoreboard pressure and gave us great direction. 

“We still fumbled a little and will need to sort that out over the next 2 games. We now need to win strongly to have a chance to play in the final. 

“All players in the squad have now experienced International Cup footy and hopefully that now transpires into some quality outcomes."

The Mozzies next match is against USA on Saturday. 

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Round 3 matches will be played this weekend.

The Mozzies will play USA at Montrose Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 12pm, while the Flames will do battle with Ireland at Hallam Reserve. This game kicks off at 2pm.

Men’s International Cup Division 1:

This was at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve in Melbourne today.

Papua New Guinea

Goal Kickers: A. Piprika 4, J. Ikupu 2, K. Paulias Siwee 2, L. Savere, L. Logo, K. Kaugla, M. King, B. Beno

Best Players: A. Piprika, B. Beno, S. Agita, M. King, T. Goroga, L. Logo

Nauru

Goal Kickers: B. Deidenang 2, T. Depaune, J. Kanimea, R. Spanner

Best Players: D. Agir, K. Tatum, T. Waidabu, K. Oppenheimer, J. Uepa, J. Jeremiah.

Round 3 will see the Mozzies go up against USA at Montrose Recreation Reserve this Saturday.

In the reply of the 2014 grand final, the Irish got their revenge, booting themselves to an 11 point win at McAlister Oval.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Goal Kickers: T. Goroga 2, M. King, K. Paulias Siwee

Best Players: J. Ikupu, S. Agita, W. Aisi, M. Lavai, G. Simon, J. Peni

IRELAND

Goal Kickers: P. Lucey 3, P. Brennan, D. Mcelhone, R. Cull

Best Players: D. Mcelhone, P. O''Halloran, G. Walls, S. O''Sullivan, P. Lucey, M. Finn.

Round two will see the Mozzies take on Nauru on Wednesday, August 9, at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve at 12:30pm.