Injury sidelines Liliket call-up for Pukpuks

IF not for worse, Henry Liliket would be wearing the red, black and gold jumper in his second Commonwealth Games appearance with the national rugby Pukpuks team and in doing so, be the only surviving member of that Bowl-winning PNG side.

But a broken ankle has robbed the twenty-two year-old West New Britain man’s dream of another Commonwealth Games appearance.

He is not alone. Coach Fereti Verebula told The National, though his omission is a blow to the team, his fellow Kimbe Rebels team-mate Albert Levi has called into the side as replacement.

Levi was also in the Pukpuks at the last Commonwealth Games.

“He (Liliket) is the best second-rower in the country and it is hard luck for us simply because of an injury he sustained while playing for his beloved country,” Verebula said yesterday after a training session at the Murray Barracks oval.

Liliket though disappointed wished the PNG side well.

“I am disappointed for not making the team but I wish the boys all the best.

PNG Pukpuks: Billy Torea, Dondon Kais, Nathan Baramun, Butler Morris, Stanis Susuve, Henry Kalua, Emmanuel Guise, Wesley Vali, Hensley Peters, Allan Sisah, Hubert Tseraha and Levi.