Pepes name 20-member squad for WC qualifers

NETBALL Papua New Guinea has named a 20-member train-on squad for the World Cup Qualifiers in New Zealand in April.
Notable ommissions from the squad are captain Lua Rikis, who retired after last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu, her sister Lua Mavara, a former captain and long-serving member of the Pepes, and veteran defender Kilala Owen.
Shooter Margaret Eka returns to the national squad after a three-year absence boosting the side’s level of experience which includes shooters Jeperth Tulapi and Rayleen Andrew, mid-courter Nerrie Adula and defenders Tau Galewa and Shanna Dringo.
The squad, which also includes six Australia-based players, started training at the Taurama Aquatic Centre starting this week.
The final 12-member team will be named after trials on March 24-25 at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex.
Netball PNG’s high performance manager Mona-Lisa Leka said the first trials had been competitive allowing selectors to come up with the 20 players.
“Given the competiveness of the current train-on squad, all spots will be up for grabs at the next selection trails,” Leka said.
“As soon as the selectors announce the final 12 the team will spend two weeks of intensive training in Brisbane, Australia before heading to Auckland for the tournament in April.”
Pepes squad: Jeperth Tulapi, Rayleen Andrew, Boio Peter, Sasarino Pedro, Nancy Alu, Ravusiro Vali, Tiata Baldwin, Jacklyn Lahari, Shanna Dringo, Kimberley Alex, Mayleen Nona, Neritha Adula, Mary-Ellen Bonser, Tau Galewa, Julie-Anne Diro, Margaret Eka, Serena Ovia, Nancy Beaso, Carol Kanapoti, Hannah Borreto.