Puara taking nothing for granted

The National Sports
New Guinea Islander Wartovo Puara Jr is now the oldest and most experienced player in coach Matthew Church’s squad.

By MICHAEL PHILIP
RAKE Wartovo Puara Jr says he is under no illusion that experience alone will secure him a spot in the final SP Hunters squad for the new Hostplus Cup season.
A veteran of 124 Cup matches for the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side, the 31-year-old Raim native is the oldest and most experienced player in coach Matthew Church’s train-on squad.
Hence, Puara is part of the Hunters’ leadership group under skipper Ila Alu.

SP Hunter and Papua New Guinea Kumuls rake Wartovo Puara Jr in action against Fiji. – Picture supplied

“It always an honour to be in the team,” the former Rabaul Guria said.
“I know the coaching staff have high of expectations of me in terms of helping lead the younger players at training.
“But the youngsters should not depend on me too much.

Former Rabaul Guria Wartovo Puara Jr is a veteran of 124 Hostplus Cup matches for the SP Hunters. – kpmsportsimages

“They must try their best to learn as much as they can from Church and assistant coaches Paul Aiton and Stanley Tepend.
“Nevertheless, I’m committed to helping lead the Hunters as the bulk of our squad members are still young.
“I believe they will learn a lot from me and the coaches.”

East New Briton Wartovo Puara Jr has so far scored 27 tries since his Hunters and Hostplus Cup debut in 2014.

Puara said despite the weight of expectation, he was keen to do his best to earn a spot in Church’s final 26-man squad.
Meanwhile, the East New Briton confirmed his availability for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
“I will always be available for the Kumuls,” the Papua New Guinea international said.
“It doesn’t mean I have been there and will be there all the time to represent the national team – no.
“At the end of the day, we get selected on performance.
“So I’m hoping a solid campaign with the Hunters can help me earn a spot in coach Michael Marum’s World Cup squad.”
Puara is expected to travel home to Rabaul for the festive season before he returns to Port Moresby to resume pre-season preparations with the Hunters.