PM’s team picked

Normal, Sports
Source:

Then National, Tuesday 11th September, 2012

By KEITH PUARIA
GURIAS’ halves combination of Ase Boas and Dion Aiye will spearhead the Prime Minister’s XIII attack against the Australians on Sunday week.
The Kokopo duo easily solved for selectors the ‘match-making’ headache with Boas possibly playing in the No.7 jersey to complement partner and incumbent Aiye a level higher. 
Selectors were present at Sunday’s Digicel Cup grand final and went behind closed doors to finalise an 18-man PM’s side besides putting together a 40-man squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League caretaker administrator Ivan Ravu confirmed the selected team were entirely made up of Digicel Cup players and only awaiting the nod from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
 “The team has been picked and submitted through the Sports Minister for the Prime Minister to sign off before we officially release it,” Ravu said yesterday.
Ravu remained tight-lipped about the make-up of the squad, unwilling even to confirm whether Kumuls’ coach Adrian Lam would guide the side.

“A squad was picked earlier in the Digicel Cup season, and it has just been a matter of consistency right through, with a look in on players who were not there before and have been outstanding towards the back end of the season,” Ravu added.
Gurias fullback Albert Patak, centre Jacky Markus, and wing Chris Jerry look certain also to fill run on spots, while veteran prop Rodney Pora played himself to beyond doubt of a starting role on Sunday.
Nuggety Eagles wing Gary Lo is an inside chance for the other wing spot, while teammate Francis Ray may also get the nod somewhere in the side.
The likely PMs XIII side is Patak, Lo, Thompson Teteh, Markus, Jerry, Aiye, Boas, Gonzella Urakusie, Charlie Wabo, Pora, David Loko, Sebastian Pandia, Glen Nami. Reserves Wartovo Puara Jr, Werr Mark, Jackson Undi, Pasu Awane, Kot Kerua, Israel Eliab.
While Arnold Krewanty is reportedly no longer a selector after teaming up with the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Bid team, the other three selectors in David Tinemao – highlands region, Steve Malum – northern, and Samson Clay – islands region, remained party to the selection table along with national coach Adrian Lam.