Official: Juniors key to World Cup shot

SUPPORTERS Club Rugby Union Morobe, through Robin Tarere, conducted a two-day talent identification programme for players between the ages of six and 18 in Lae last week.
The development officer told The National that his club would look to establish an academy programme for Under-14s, U16s and U18s with a focus on girls.
“We have a big programme for girls next year,” Tarere said.“This year, we have the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
“But we can start preparing them over the next four years.
“It would be great to set up district competitions and establish championships for Morobe.
“I always believes in junior sports because the cream of players in the national teams come from junior programmes.
“If we don’t start now, it will be too late for us when it comes to the World Cup.
“Therefore, I’m focusing on identifying junior players and putting them into a programme to train.
“The programme will also include working on essence and physiological training with High Performance Sport Papua New Guinea.
“So when they join clubs, they are ready to play rugby union.”
Tarere said it was crucial to get youngsters to understand the skills and rules of the sport and how to apply them.
“When they understand the game – including its skills and rules – at a young age, it will be easy for them to become good players,” he said.
“It will improve their chances of making the national teams.
“It will also make it easier for them to be coached at the club or representative level.”