7s selection thrills Tataeng

By MICHAEL PHILIP
BIALLA Suaras youngest squad member Elipas Tataeng is grateful to be part of the 2024 Papua New Guinea Pukpuks extended squad after years of dreaming to play in the national rugby 7s team.
Elipas who hails from Matililiu village in Bialla, West New Britain, was called into the Pukpuks extended squad last year. He started his rugby career back in 2019 while doing his sixth grade at
Airmen’s Memorial Primary in Kimbe with the aim of one day representing PNG at the national level.
“I grew up seeing the growth of rugby in the country and that motivated me to play harder,” Tataeng, who is yet to put on the Pukpuks jumper, said.
“But I had a dream of representing my country in any sport at the national level, that was my childhood dream.
“However, because rugby league is the national sport of this country, I decide to concentrate on rugby. I want to represent my country in rugby, either league or union.
“Because we have local 7s competitions back in the district, I shifted my focus to be steady on 7s alone. I told myself I’ll stay here for a while and work my way up and see if I get better results.
“I was too young to join local competitions back home playing 7s and I was told by my parents to balance studies and sports. I did try my best to balance both.”
After four years playing in the local rugby 7s competitions with Reckless club, the young gun was called up to join the Bialla Suaras to play in the Sports Tok Rookie 7s in Port Moresby last year.
Tataeng made his debut with Suaras last year describing it as a memorable moment in his rugby 7s career.

“When I got the call-up to join the Bialla Suaras, I was so excited. I was a bit afraid to join them because I was too young to play with such a team who competed at the national level of rugby 7s but I told myself to give it a try.
“I accepted the offer and we travelled to Pom for the Sports Tok Rookie 7s. It was unreal to me playing in Port Moresby, especially at the National Football Stadium.
“It was the first best memorable moments in my life and that motivated me to give my best to the club and see If I could get selected into the Pukpuks squad.
“I was already in Pom and I didn’t want to go back home, I wanted to be in the Pukpuks squad and achieve my dream of representing my country.”
Surprisingly, after the Sports Tok and the Bomana Invitational Rookie 7s, the Bialla Suaras travelled home without young Tataeng following his selection in to the 2024 PNG Pukpuks squad.
“I was super excited when I got the call-up into the squad,” he said.
“It was my childhood dream to at least be part of a national team representing my country. It is an exciting opportunity because I have the opportunity to play with big names in the team and also learn great stuffs about rugby 7s.”
The 19-year-old Matililiu villager said despite the current result by the Pukpuks, he would stay focused in developing his skill in the game and be a competitive player in the squad.
“My focus at the moment is on training and discipline,” he said.
“I believe that would determine more success and achievements as we go forward. Also pay full attention and concentration on what we are learning and see what the big boys are doing and follow.
Tataeng said with the few international events coming up for the Pukpuks, he would be working hard to improve on areas that needs adjustments and would be also eying to make his debut.
“There are a lot of areas that I need to work hard on to improve my game.
“Sevens is a physical game and it needs more time and concentration on and off the field. I have to be committed and dedicated to whatever little things that we are going through.”
Tataeng completed his Grade 10 last year at Bialla Secondary but didn’t make it through to year 11 and would be undergoing Fode studies this year.