Pora questions non-selection

By KEVIN TEME
A DISAPPOINTED PNG Telikom Kumuls vice-captain Rodney Pora revealed that he felt ove-looked by management in the Four Nation’s tournament last October.
Pora was officially appointed Kumul vice for the campaign in Australia and New Zealand but his non-selection for the matches against Australia, New Zealand and England drew criticism.
When team management was asked about Pora and other notable players that did not take the field, they said that  players were ruled out on the medical advice.
Backrower Sigfred Gande and Pora did not play with only Gande’s case officially attributed to injury.
But Pora, in an exclusive interview, claimed he was not injured.
“They made the team to play the Kangaroos and when I found that I was not named in the team, I kept positive and  encouraged others thinking I would get my chance in the second match (New Zealand). But this did not eventuate,” a very disappointed Pora admitted.
He said being one of the most experience players in the team under three different coaches, it was unfair for him to sit on the sidelines and watch the side  play without contributing to the Kumuls.
“I was not injured. I did have a bruise on my left leg but I was okay to play in the tournament.
“They handed me a leadership role only to be sidelined throughout the tournament has been very disappointing for me,” Pora said.
The Western Highlander said he would have  loved to play in the tournament and felt the management let  him and the boys down.
“The local boys looked up to a leader on the paddock and Paul (Aiton) had to do it all himself.
“I know it looks like I  let my boys down but the fact is the management decided not to put me on and that was the real let down,” Pora said.