People’s Choice Award winner Geno praises tournament

Sports

THE 2017 SP Sports Awards People’s Choice winner Colin Geno has praised the initiative of the Gulf Isou rugby 9s tournament.
Geno, a noted coach from Central, who guided Team Central to win gold at last year’s PNG Games in Kimbe, West New Britain, was in Kerema over the weekend to witness the raw talent on offer at the tournament.
“Gulf has a lot of potential. They have a lot of hidden talent and they have the size and the speed as well,” Geno said.
“I think the only thing these players need is moulding to play to a structured game.
“For example, I’ve seen some players throwing the ball out quite quickly which can be easily read by the defence.
“I think little things like that is what is needed to be taught for this group of players as well as developing their strength, power, agility, endurance, stamina and skill.
“Getting them to play structured rugby league will see them become quality players not only for Gulf but for PNG as a whole.
“I understand that there is a lack of sporting facilities in Kerema but if they are selected and taken to Port Moresby and are well looked after, then we will see some good products coming through. But if the Gulf Sports Trust can invest in building sports facilities in the province or something like an academy, then the standard of sports in Gulf will rise.”
Geno was impressed with Gulf Isou 9s champions Kerema team two, Lese Oalai and Sepoe.
“They have a lot of youngsters who can be exposed but because they’re village-based they just need some more high performance guidance in order to reach their full potential,” he said.
Geno attended the tournament to assist selectors put up a list of players for a Gulf Isou Under-23 side to take part in the National Super 9s in Goroka this weekend.
The list of players picked by the selectors and Geno will be approved by the Gulf Provincial Sports Trust board.