International Cup 2017 defending champions, the Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes, are more prepared this time round.
The Mozzies’ assistant coach, Douglas Lai, was all praises for the High Performance Sport PNG team for providing professional assistance, which is something they have not had before.
“Identifying the injuries…advising them what to be done on the injuries, you know all those kinds of advice coming from HP are professional opinions I’d say.
“They are well educated in the field and what we got out of HP is professional opinion and professional guidance.
“It’s good for the team definitely.
“It will take care of the injuries; take care of our mental preparations, plus physical preparations.
“Everything that we have taken out of HP is professional, I can say,” said Lai.
Lai said the challenge for the team is to defend the cup as the 2014 IC champions.
“We are the defending title holders so we have to go defend the cup.
“We’ve prepared well, like I’ve said with HP, which we haven’t had in the past.
“All we’ve done in the past is train as a team with the local and coaches but now HP has come on board, to guide us.”
The men’s and women’s teams have also been assisted by HP staff Malosi Ila as the trainer for the men’s while the Flames have been assisted by physiotherapist Hendriella Vilosi.
The sixth International Cup will be held in Melbourne from Saturday August 5 to Saturday August 19, 2017. The carnival will include both men's and women's competitions.