Four to debut for Pepes

THE national selectors have named the final 15-member Pepes team to take part in the Oceania regional qualifiers in New Zealand (April 17-21) for the 2019 Netball World Cup hosted by England.
The core of the Pepes who won the gold medal at the Mini Pacific Games in Vanuatu has been retained, while four players will be making their international debuts for PNG — they are Mary Ellen Bonser, Mayleen Nona, Nancy Beaso and Hannah Borreto.
The Netball PNG chairperson Julienne Leka-Maliaki told the media that the section trials which have been held over the past few months, have for the first time extended an invitation for PNG players residing in Australia to attend.
“The inclusion of the Australian based players coming in has added a new dynamic to the way we play our game here. It has really lifted the girls to another level. The girls knew that they would be coming up against a lot of competition,” Leka-Maliaki said.
“That’s why you can see a slight difference in the flair and dynamics of the team. What we have been able to do in opening up the invitation which is also a sanctioned event, by doing that we have allowed some great players to come through.”
“We also have a mixture of some experienced players, with a few who are new to the national scene, it is a big shift. Our previous leaders Lua Rikis, Winnie Marava and Kilala Owen have gone but we still have Jacklyn Lahari, Tiata Baldwin and Nerrie Adula who are here to lead the girls.”
Pepes squad: Jeperth Tulapi, Rayleen Andrew, Boio Peter, Nancy Alu, Tiata Baldwin, Nerrie Adula, Mary Ellen Bonser, Jacklyn Lahari, Mayleen Nona, Kimberley Alex, Serena Ovia, Nancy Beaso, Hannah Borreto, Julianne Diro, Ravusiro Vali.