Juniors start training

THE Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids squads had their first training session at the National Football Stadium yesterday in preparation for their respective matches against their Australian opponents on Sunday.
The Joe Grima-coached Junior Kumuls went through a gym session while the Junior Orchids, who are coached by Solomon Kuliniasi, had a field session on field.
Manly Sea Eagles junior Alton Naiyep (winger) and Gold Coast Titans development player Sam Stephenson (centre) arrived on Monday and joined the squad who are camping out at the Holiday Inn.
For the Junior Orchids, the entire squad is made of local players that were selected from the resent Women’s National Confederate Championship held last month.
Grima, who is also in charge of the PNG NRL Bid academy, said last week the Junior Orchids shared the same goal with the Junior Kumuls and that was to supply players to the senior Orchids team.
The Junior Kangaroos and the Australian School Girls arrive tomorrow (Thursday) along with the Australian Prime Minister’s 13 men’s and women’s teams.
PNG Rugby Football League chief executive officer Stanley Hondina said the PM’s 13 fixtures would be played on Saturday. Hondina said senior teams of both countries would cheer for their juniors on Sunday before the Australian teams leave on Monday.
Junior Orchids: 1. Belinda Waula 2. Benitha Paka 3. Carrianne Wesley 4. Deborah Kitipa 5. Esther Aram 6. Gail Manove 7. Golden Bal 8. Hadassah Isokali 9. Jamitha Mathew 10. Joyce Bolkun 11. Lousise Sarr 12. Melissa Joe 13. Rayleen Kusir Interchange: 14. Rondah Joseph 15. Rose Malabag 16. Ruth Gende 17. Yolanda Taute 18. Yvonne Pinda
Junior Kumuls: 1. Ragarive Wavik 2. Alton Naiyep 3. Sam Stephenson 4. Kevin Yako 5. Anda Endaso 6. Gairo Voro 7. Felix Beki 8. Raynolds Tai 9. Finley Glare 10. Gregan Format 11. Limbi Henry 12. Samson Waililing 13. Smith Pamundi Interchange: 14. Maya Tusa 15. Norman Akunai 16. Gabriel Kaupa 17.Bruce Bawave 18. Makas Richard.