Inclusions will bolster Pukpuks pack: Genia

 PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Football Union general manager Frank Genia said with the inclusion of five Brisbane-based players and several seven players, he was confident it would bolster a Pukpuks short on game time.

The Pukpuks will compete for the Federation of Rugby Unions (FORU) Cup in Port Moresby from August 22-30.

Frank said out of the five Brisbane-based players four were aged 19 years, while the most experienced player in the squad was his brother Nigel Genia, 24.

He said the three players were young but had experience playing in the Brisbane Premier League and would learn from their first taste of international rugby. 

“We have a squad of 32 and we did not only consider the players capable of playing 15s but others that we felt would contribute to the team. 

“Our selection extended to some of our sevens players that took part in the recent Pacific Games,” he said.

Genia, who last represented PNG at the 2009 FORU Cup, said the four Australia-based players Rabbie Namaliu Junior, Richard Aitsi, Zion Reto and Bradley Kelegai were young enough to be considered for U20 representative duties.

He said the squad was lucky to have one of the members of the 2009 FORU squad in prop/hooker Westley Thomas.

“Thomas is the most experienced player and he is a leader on and off the field that all the players will look up to.

“He is an inspirational player and the rest of the squad will be a boost from having him in the group.”

Butler Morris, Desmond Korpok, Dondon Kais, Tisa and Junior Kauta are the other players expected to make the final cut.

The final squad would be announced on Monday.