The Papua New Guinea Rugby Union has named a 44-member Kumul Petroleum PNG Pukpuks training squad for its 15s program ahead of the 5 Nations Cup this June.
The tournament is slated for June 18-26 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
The Pukpuks will play against the Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Niue, Vanuatu and an invitational overseas based PNG side.
PNGRU CEO Sailosi Druma stated that due to the pandemic there has been a lack of internationals in the last two years. This tournament will be used as a warm up to the Oceania Cup, which will also be held in Port Moresby in October this year.
Druma added that the Pukpuks won the last Oceania Cup in 2019 and will enter this tournament as favorites. Therefore it is important that they begin their preparations as soon as possible.
“Sydney Wesley has been named as Head Coach and he will be assisted by Moses Koko (Goroka) and Michael Muriki (Lae), while Sam Tam (Port Moresby) is the team manager.
“All players will be required to attend a one-week training camp starting next week from April 25-30.
“Outside provincial players are to contact the PNGRU office for their travel details to arrive in Port Moresby by this weekend.
“All Port Moresby players are asked to assemble at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium at 5pm this afternoon to begin preparations,” Druma added.
The Kumul Petroleum PNG Pukpuks 15s training squad of 44:
(CRU)
Bradley Kendege, Eddie Carl, Emil Latumahina, Ismael Singut, James Lumaris, Jonah Kautu Jnr, Jordon Seladi, Kenneth Vagi, Mosely Amesia, Okirua Kopi, Robin Lorma, Tissa Kautu, Tony Sipa, Willie Kalai
(DARU)
Chris Asiri, Israel Inu.
(ENB)
Jeremy Slain, Brendon Ronald, Emori Kumari, Ephraim David, George Mark, Hosea Willimond, Jack Sebastine, Jackson Magel, Kolin Tokau, Richmond Nongkas, Rupen Ronnie, Serry Sakias.
(MOROBE)
Cameron Wai, Ipson Teteh, Joel Wimbi, Lau Posu, Lindsay Yobane, Paul Nelson, Richard Kepo, Shaun Ongapa, Steven Kilala.
(NCDRU)
Barny Guni, Brendon Yanmoro, David Kura, Ezikel Dauko, Lewis Mododula, Luka Mange, and Rodney Kaore.