By PETER PUSAL
Improvement will be the name of the game for the Digicel Pukpuks team as they prepare to fly to New Zealand on Sunday to contest the Wellington Sevens.
After having performed reasonably in last year’s meet, the Pukpuks will be looking to give a better account of themselves in the Feb 1-2 tournament. With the team picked on form and fitness and looking to be more competitive in Wellington, the experienced Willie Rikis leads a team made up of players who took part in last year’s PNG and Pacific 7s tournaments.
The team picked by selectors after a game held in Port Moresby last weekend was officially announced at a brief ceremony held at Ozzies’ Bar, Ela Beach Hotel, on Monday evening.
Present at the gathering were Pukpuk 7s team members, representatives of major sponsors Digicel Ltd and PNGRFU officials.
The formal announcement was made via a multi-media presentation organised by the PNGRFU signalling changing methods within the administration of the code and a look towards new trends the sport is focusing on to get on par with the rest of the rugby world.
The Digicel Pukpuks Sevens team is: Willie Rikis (C), Aiem Pilakos, Gina Ponda, Cecil Davani, Roland Namo, Freddie Mathies, Douglas Guise, Dan Khaisir, Shadrach Gabiliha, Joseph Wamapiri, Michael Vitolo and Brisbane based Alistair McLay.
Team officials include Sailosi Druma (coach), Simon Kepui (team manager) and Paul Joseph (trainer).