The PNG Palais left today, bound for this month’s HSBC Sydney Sevens in Australia.
Coach John Larry said speed, defence and decision-making have been some of the areas of focus in the eight weeks of training leading into the tournament.
“The 12-member team will be led by Debbie Kaore. We still have other experienced players in Freda Waula, Joanne Lagona and Lynette Kwarula,” he said.
“Our only debutant is Gemma Schnaubelt, who brings a lot of flare into the side.”
The Palais have been placed in Pool A alongside Australia, France and Spain.
Captain Debbie Kaore said: “The younger players in the team will be looking up to us. It will be a challenge for us to step up.
“Everyone is looking forward to the tournament. We’ll give it our best,” she stated.
“We just need to work as a team.
“We’ve always had the speed and the strength, we just need to play smart and as a team.”
The women’s HSBC Sydney Sevens will run from January 26-28.
The men's and women's HSBC Sydney Sevens will be televised live on TVWAN Action.