Maleos primed to face Aust: Parker

By MARTHA DERUAGE
PaPUA New Guinea Mixed and Men’s Netball Association president Adam Parker is confident the Maleos are ready to take on Australia in the Trans-Pacific Cup next week.
“Training has been going really well,” Parker said ahead of the three-match series, of which The National is a sponsor.
“The players have improved a lot since the start of training.
“They might take a break from training this week because it has been exhausting on the women, who also play in the Port Moresby Netball Association.”
Parker said the players were looking to give a good account of themselves against Australia at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
Australian are expected to arrive in the country on Monday and settle in before the opening ceremony three days later.
“I’m sure the Maleos are a little nervous, knowing that Australia is a top netball nation.
“The Australians have the height and experience in the men’s division but it is expected to be competitive in the mixed.
“Winning the tournament isn’t important for us.
“What is important is for the athletes to have first-hand experience against quality opposition.”
Parker said the aim of the series was to promote the sport and “to have people overcome the stereotyping that netball is a women’s sport”.
He encouraged people to turn up and show their support for the players, as it would be a tough and exciting series.
“Tickets have gone up for sale already and will still be available at the gate at the Sir John Guise Stadium during the series,” Parker said.
Game one is on Thursday, with the second and third clashes set for the following two days.