Barras named

Main Stories, Sports

PNG national cricket coach Andy Bichel and high performance manager Rarua Dikana yesterday confirmed that the Barramundi contract squad of 22 players was finalised and all contracted players have completed the contract orientation.
The players in the squad are committed to a 12-month programme of intense training, conditioning, testing, skill development and team activities.
“To perform at the highest possible level, it is critical that we have a balanced squad and they undergo a strenuous preparation,” chairman of selectors Api Leka said.
“The Barramundis have the biggest year of international competition ahead of them in PNG cricket history,” Cricket PNG CEO Bill Leane said.
“From Jan 22-29 the team will be travelling to Hong Kong and China for the world cricket league three to play for the opportunity to improve our ranking inside the top 20 in the world.
“Given there are 105 countries in the ICC, we are potentially in a very tough position, as the countries ranked 11-20 all play extremely well,” Leane added.
“Success in January, means a top two finish against Hong Kong, USA, Denmark, Italy and Oman. Once we achieve that, the team will then have to travel to the United Arab Emirates to play against Namibia, UAE, Bermuda and Uganda.
“Our goal will be to finish in the top two again so that we have more opportunities and a world ranking inside the top 20,” Leane said.
Next year will also see the Barramundis playing other events such as the South Pacific Games in Noumea, the East Asia Pacific ICC Cup, the Air Niugini supa series against Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the series against Australia Indigenous XI and the Arafura Games in Darwin.
The 2010-11 22-man Barramundi squad is: Rarua Dikana (capt), Tony Ura, Chris Amini (vice-capt), Hitolo Areni, Raymond Haoda Jr, Jacob Mado, Chris Kent, Vani Vagi Morea, Kila Pala, Pipi Raho, Assad Vala, Kopena Arua, Jack Vare, Inoa Baeau, Loa Nou, Joel Tom, Kapena Arua, Jason Kila, Vali Albert, Heni Siaka, Willie Gavera and Mahuru Dai.
Leka reminded the squad that players outside the 22 could force their way in depending on form  and injury.
“Being picked is a honour but commitment to continuously improve is critical,” he said.
“Currently, we have 12 of these players based in Australia as part of the Brian Bell future stars scholarship.
“We also have one resident Australian player (Chris Kent). Getting into the squad continues to be a difficult task and with the growth of cricket in areas like Milne Bay, Kimbe, Kavieng, Mt Hagen, Goroka, Lae, Madang,  Popondetta and  Central, we hope to see less Moresby-based players over the next few years.
“Representing our country is an honour, not a right, Dikana added.
“As national captain, I only want players who are committed to creating history.”  PNG national cricket coach Andy Bichel and high performance manager Rarua Dikana yesterday confirmed that the Barramundi contract squad of 22 players was finalised and all contracted players have completed the contract orientation.
The players in the squad are committed to a 12-month programme of intense training, conditioning, testing, skill development and team activities.
“To perform at the highest possible level, it is critical that we have a balanced squad and they undergo a strenuous preparation,” chairman of selectors Api Leka said.
“The Barramundis have the biggest year of international competition ahead of them in PNG cricket history,” Cricket PNG CEO Bill Leane said.
“From Jan 22-29 the team will be travelling to Hong Kong and China for the world cricket league three to play for the opportunity to improve our ranking inside the top 20 in the world.
“Given there are 105 countries in the ICC, we are potentially in a very tough position, as the countries ranked 11-20 all play extremely well,” Leane added.
“Success in January, means a top two finish against Hong Kong, USA, Denmark, Italy and Oman. Once we achieve that, the team will then have to travel to the United Arab Emirates to play against Namibia, UAE, Bermuda and Uganda.
“Our goal will be to finish in the top two again so that we have more opportunities and a world ranking inside the top 20,” Leane said.
Next year will also see the Barramundis playing other events such as the South Pacific Games in Noumea, the East Asia Pacific ICC Cup, the Air Niugini supa series against Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the series against Australia Indigenous XI and the Arafura Games in Darwin.
The 2010-11 22-man Barramundi squad is: Rarua Dikana (capt), Tony Ura, Chris Amini (vice-capt), Hitolo Areni, Raymond Haoda Jr, Jacob Mado, Chris Kent, Vani Vagi Morea, Kila Pala, Pipi Raho, Assad Vala, Kopena Arua, Jack Vare, Inoa Baeau, Loa Nou, Joel Tom, Kapena Arua, Jason Kila, Vali Albert, Heni Siaka, Willie Gavera and Mahuru Dai.
Leka reminded the squad that players outside the 22 could force their way in depending on form  and injury.
“Being picked is a honour but commitment to continuously improve is critical,” he said.
“Currently, we have 12 of these players based in Australia as part of the Brian Bell future stars scholarship.
“We also have one resident Australian player (Chris Kent). Getting into the squad continues to be a difficult task and with the growth of cricket in areas like Milne Bay, Kimbe, Kavieng, Mt Hagen, Goroka, Lae, Madang,  Popondetta and  Central, we hope to see less Moresby-based players over the next few years.
“Representing our country is an honour, not a right, Dikana added.
“As national captain, I only want players who are committed to creating history.” “The next 12 months gives the  Barramundis the opportunity to be the No.1 international team in PNG sport and that’s where we intend to be,” he said.
“Being a Barramundi is no different than being a Pepe or a Kumul,” Dikana added.
“When you represent PNG you must have success. The public demands it!
“Teamwork, commitment as well as extracting every bit of performance is critical.
“We have a great coach in Andy Bichel, and cricket is well administered, now we need to get into the top 20 in the World.”
Leane also reminded  the public about the up coming T20 Legends Bash early next month which would involve Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.  
“I appeal to people all over NCD to turn up in numbers to Amini Park on the weekend Dec 4-5 for the Pacific MMI- Motor Vehicles Insurance Ltd – ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ legends T20 series to see our best local players take on some of cricket’s greats in the legends event.”