PNG 7s aim for fitter team

By KEITH PUARIA
PAPUA New Guinea’s training for a return to the International Rugby Board World Sevens Series circuit started this week at the Bava Park.
Port Moresby’s component of the wider training group went through fitness tests and training programme orientation in scorching heat under coach Warren Jennings.
Sevens regulars Douglas Guise, Chris Kakah, Tisa Kautu, Desmond Korpok and Alova Varo returned to some familiar territory again, while new inclusions 20-year-old fly-half Wesley Rooney, Madi Ora and 2006 Wellington Sevens tourist Lawrence Kuso Jr were present.
Jennings stressed that players were expected to do the training programme and meet fitness and development targets, or risk losing their positions.
The former Waikato winger conducted an intense beep test to set the tone for the 12-week programme.
“The purpose of this group is to allow the selectors a pool of talent to draw from. Each individual in the group will be given every opportunity to get into the 12-man squad.”
The squad: Hubert Tseraha, Duncan Fama, Gairo Varo, Monty Diave, Billy Torea, Manu Guise, Elias Roboam, Hensly Peter, Lao Posu, Jason Missian, Raymond Roberts, Neil Wimbe, Foster Laurie, Edgar Mogoru, Butler Morris, Issac Chandrol, Darren Ipako, Michael Roplaen, Donald Kais, Jacob Niggins, David Susuve, Albert Levi, Hendry Liliket, Smith Lakas, Eugene Tokavau, Timothy Pola, Hubert Vitolo, and Wesley Vali.