Pukpuk No.8 walks down the aisle

By KEITH PUARIA
RUGBY union couple George Oki and Christine Wanma finally tied the knot in a big and bright wedding ceremony in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The current PNG Pukpuks forward and his longtime girlfriend exchanged marriage vows at the Waigani Evangelical Church witnessed by their families, relatives, friends and the rugby union fraternity.
Oki of Central and East New Britain parentage, established himself as the country’s leading forward after a lengthy transition from centre. He plays for the University Piggies club.
Wanma, whose parents are from Irian Jaya, was a member of the Piggies women’s team in the pioneering years of PNG women’s rugby. She later became a member of the Pukpuks medical team as physiotherapist.
The groom’s party included Oki’s teammates and close friends Blade Nelson as best man, Ella Ora, Augustine Kumalau, Charlie Maips and brother Veva, while the bridal party included Wanma’s teammates Lydia Ora and Iga Oki.
Oki’s big breakthrough came in 2005 when he was selected in the Billy Rapilla coached Pukpuks team that played Solomon Islands.
With the Federation of Oceania Rugby Union championships in October, Oki will look to again lead the Pukpuks to defend their 2011 FORU title.
Former Pukpuks Paul Joseph, Willie Rikis, Raymond Romalus, Anthony Pangkatana and Carl Hoot as well as coaches Billy Rapilla and Kevin Rooney attended the wedding.