Palais gear up for 7s

PAPUA New Guinea’s women’s sevens players will converge on Port Moresby for their final high performance training camp in the first week of the new year.
The ICTSI South Pacific Palais squad, which has been in training over the past few weeks, will gather in Port Moresby on Jan 6 for a week-long camp before the 22-member squad is reduced to the final 12 to for the HSBC Sydney 7s.
The tournament, from Feb 1-3, has the Palais pooled in a tough group that includes New Zealand, France and England, and coach Paul Tietjens is expecting a high level of professionalism from his players so that they are as well prepared to compete against their rivals.
Following the first camp from Dec 1-14 in Port Moresby, Tietjens’ parting message was clear — that big reputations alone would not determine who made the final team.
While mindful of the festive period that would be disruptive to the training, he urged the players to maintain a high degree of self-discipline and maintain their commitment to training.
In an email he shared with his players, Tietjens reinforced his message.
“If you cannot make it to the gym or are struggling for transport to a field, please complete the bodyweight session which is in the training resource booklet attached, or put your running shoes on and complete the sessions on a quiet road or in the park,” Tietjens said.
“No excuses team, we should all be training and be able to the sessions given.”
One of the first sessions when the players assemble in Port Moresby is a fitness test and players were reminded about the importance of maintaining their training so that they are not found wanting as it is a prerequisite of making the final team.
“Also be strict on nutrition and your eating and drinking patterns over this time.
“Make sure you enjoy yourself in moderation, but make sure you are putting the right fuel in the body to give you the energy to train.”
The first HP training camp was a great success and PNG Rugby Football Union chairman Syd Yates was grateful to all the various sponsors and organisations that provided support in various ways.
Yates made particular mention of naming rights sponsors ICTSI South Pacific group of companies, PNG High Performance Centre, Venues and Management Trust, Wellness Lodge, Gateway Hotel, Tactical Solutions International, Kumul Petroleum Holdings, Credit Corporation, NKW, Sime Darby, National Gaming Control Board and its CEO Imelda Agon and the New Britain Palm Oil.
Similar support or any new partners who would like to join PNGRFU as partners in this exciting programme would be welcomed as the benefits for everyone involved is quite promising.
Following the Sydney 7s, the Palais will focus their attention on the next round of the HSBC World 7s in Hong Kong and depending on how they fare have the potential of being a permanent participant in the series which will be played at certain locations around the world in 2019. PNG Palais squad: 1. Helen Abau (PNG), 2. Catherine Anjo (PNG), 3. Michaelyne Arumbi (Australia), 4. Marie Biyama (PNG), 5. Anika Butler (Australia), 6. Marlugu Dixon (Australia), 7. Chelsea Garesa (PNG), 8. Yolanda Gittins (Australia), 9. Debbie Kaore (PNG), 10. Melanie Kawa (Australia), 11. Lynette Kwarula (PNG), 12. Joanne Lagona (PNG), 13. Geua Larry (PNG), 14. Taiva Lavai (PNG), 15. Lilah Malabag (PNG), 16. Mala Mark (PNG), 17. Gwen Pokana (PNG), 18. Fatima Rama (PNG), 19. Kymlie Rapilla (PNG), 20. Cassandra Sampson (PNG), 21. Gemma Schnaubelt (Australia), 22. Barbara Sigere (Australia).