Union boss Siwi impressed with level of 7s talent

The National Sports
Barbarians’ Paul Peter scoring against hosts Dirty Eights during the Trans Highway Rosso Cup invitation sevens rugby union tournament in Lae last weekend. – Nationalpics by LARRY ANDREW

By LARRY ANDREW
PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union president Paul Siwi says he is impressed with the level of talent shown in the shorter format of the game.
He told The National that following Morobe Rugby Union-organised Trans Highway Rosso Cup invitational sevens rugby union tournament at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae last weekend.
“We are looking for talents to take around the world,” Siwi said.

Lae Royals veteran Neil Wimbi attempting to shrug off the Sagasec defence.

“The Government and our sponsors have tasked us with finding the best talents.
“Such tournaments continue to unearth exceptional talents.
“There are a lot of talents out there and we will continue searching for them.
“After watching these matches, I anticipate that Lae, Rabaul and Kimbe will field strong teams in the Super Sevens Series which will take place in two months.

Lae Harlequins Development Team’s Paul Rawaiye making a break against Kimbe Rebels. .

“Teams from 16 provinces will travel to Port Moresby to compete in the series.”
Siwi acknowledged the Supporters Club Rugby Union Morobe development programme for helping nurture upcoming talents in the province.
“At the top level, they can’t go anywhere, so they are being poached by rugby league, where they join the SP Hunters systems and other pathways,” he said.

Visitors Rabaul Stallions scoring a try against Sagasec.

“But some players are back here playing in the tournament. They have expressed interest to return to rugby union and we welcome them back.
“All they need to do now is, prove that they’re still capable of playing the sport at the highest level in the country.”
Siwi said this was the first lot of trial matches for the national train-on squad, who fielded Barbarians and Thunderbolts in the tournament, in preparation for the Commonwealth Games and Olympic qualifiers.

Lae Harlequins Development Team’s Abe Raymond taking on the defence of Tribesmen, from West Highlands.

Barbarians lost 5-17 to Papuan Compound Ravens in the final.
“It shows that a lot of players are knocking on the door of national selectors,” Siwi said.
“It’s up to the current squad to prove that they are worthy of retaining their spots.”