Death shocks union

 PNGRFU general ma­nager Simon Kerr, pictured,  has expressed condolences to the family of assistant Pukpuks coach Far­rell Temata who died of a heart attack last Friday evening during the PNG development squad’s opening match against Queensland side Nerang on the Gold Coast.

Temata, 68, suffered a heart attack during the first match of the Monier Pukpuks development team Tour of the Gold Coast. 

He died at the Gold Coast Hospital later that evening.

“We’re all shocked by Farrell’s passing; he collapsed just before halftime during the first tour game against Nerang and died,” Kerr said.

“The boys knew he was taken to hospital but didn’t know the details until after the game.” 

Temata, originally from the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, had been involved with the PNGRFU as a performance coach and mentor to help the Pukpuks in their preparations for the Oceania Cup. Temata has had a long association with rugby in PNG having been a former head coach of the national team in 2002.

Pukpuks team manager Billy Ra­pilla on Sunday expressed the squad’s shock at Temata’s death. 

“We are all really shocked to be honest. The past 24 hours have been long and hard for the team as we are all still in shock and disbelief that he has gone,”he said. 

“He commanded a great deal of respect among us all and he showed great passion for PNG and the Pukpuks. He taught me a lot and has left a lasting effect and I’m sure I speak for the squad and past players.” 

“We’ve lost a great mentor, good friend and really wonderful bloke. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Temata family.”