Howarth names 52-man squad

BRISBANE-based players, Adrian Dixon and Morea Pease, are among a 52-man training squad announced yesterday for the Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions (FORU) Cup to be played in Port Moresby later this month.
Eight players from Lae, two from Kimbe and one each from Kavieng and Madang are also in the squad dominated by Port Moresby players in the POMRFU and Metro competition.
The side comprises several youngsters recognised for their consistent efforts of over the last two seasons including Gabriel Biyama, Posolok Chauka, Wesley Rooney (Juggernauts), and Shane Koal (Harlequins).
National coach and PNGRFU general manager Shane Howarth said the squad would be trimmed down to 25 after a one-day training camp this weekend.
“The squad will assemble in Port Moresby this Saturday for fitness and medical tests,” Howarth, a former All Blacks and Wales international, said.
The squad: Adrian Dixon, Morea Pease (Brisbane), Shane Amean, Sarufa Lea, Posolok Chauka, Shane Koal, Mikah Gori, Westley Thomas, Kapua Kapua, Charles Maip, Gabriel Biyama, Aaron Miai, Emmanuel Mora, Philip Suapo, Raymond Vagi, Monty Diave, Billy Torea, Lemi Tole, George Hoki, Jimmy Mai, Dougie Guise, Kumulau Auru, Frank Gabi Jr, Martin Kambayong, Rooney, Jonah Kautu Jr, Henry Mobiha, Roland Namo, Tisa Kautu, Andrew Samson, Peter Kolkia, Emmanuel Auru, Jesse James, Mate Lora, Titi Gigimat, Oswald Gela, Joe Terikyn, Augustine Yamuna, Chris Kakah, Adeck Naio (Port Moresby), Chris Namani, Michael Miri, Jacob Niggins, Tui Fitiao, Karo Kauna, Jason Missian, Francis Maso, Neil Wimbe (Lae), Eugene Tokavai, Hendry Liliket (Kimbe), Smith Lakas (Kavieng) and Young Dickson (Madang).
Training for Port Moresby-based players will be held this afternoon at 5pm at Bava rugby park.
The final 25 will be announced next Monday and the team will go into camp in Port Moresby on Nov 21.       
The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Niue are the other island nations participating in the FORU Cup which will be played from Nov 29 to Dec 3 at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
The PNG Pukpuks are the current FORU Cup holders  which they won in 2009 after defeating the Cook Islands 29-21 at PRL.