Simongi leaps another step in development

Papua New Guinea youth international Emmanuel Simongi, who arrived back home yesterday, has taken another huge step in his development as a footballer.
Simongi was one of four student-athletes who returned for a second-year at the OFC Education Centre in New Zealand and spent a week in Brisbane last week for a trial with Brisbane Roar Academy.Simongi’s mentor Phillip Pickering-Parker, who accompanied him to the trial, said he was in training with the Brisbane Roar A-league youth team and has grown everyday in the high performance environment.
Parker said Simongi completed the trial and would await feedback from the head coach, Jason Robinson, with academy director Drew Sherman seeing his performance throughout the week.
“He continues to be life-educated each day with ‘big dreaming’ tests I put in place for him and he is an excellent ambassador for the PNGFA and OFC,” Parker said.
Simongi made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in February’s OFC Under-17 Championship, helping his side to the semifinals, the experience he has enjoyed.
He said the time that he spent at OFC Education Centre had taught him a lot and he also gained more confidence.
“I was glad to be invited for the trial and hope that I will secure a spot next year at the Brisbane Roar Academy,” said Simongi.
“Compared to Papua New Guinea, I think the standard of the competition is high, I really enjoyed it.”