Wabo: We can do it

By KEITH PUARIA
VETERAN Kumul Charlie Wabo supports the national selectors’ decision to test the PNG Residents XIII against South Sydney on Feb 9.
Having been a part of the Kumuls’ international campaigns in the last five years, Wabo said that Redfern match was crucial for the “local boys” as part of the preparations for the 2013 World Cup in October.
“It will contribute a lot to build confidence for the World Cup,” he said.
“The level of rugby league competition at the NRL is the highest so this game against Souths is a good platform to start from.
“From there, the players and coaches will know how much more we have to do to be competitive at the next level.”
Wabo’s comments are in line with chairman of selectors David Tinemau’s explanation about the selection process for the PNG Residents XIII.

“Some of our local players have had chances to go and trial with overseas teams besides the World Cup but this game is a big opportunity for us as a group.
“The whole team will play a very important role in marketing individual players so it’s still a team effort. PNG rugby league is also on the market” Wabo said.
Tinemau had said that selectors wanted to expose the local team to class competition and the Redfern match would allow them and the coaching staff to “zero-in on the main combinations” they needed to work on, improve much needed mental stamina and create an avenue for the local players to bond.
He added that PNG’s overseas based players, who were used to a higher level of competition, would not be involved in this first stage of World Cup preparations.
They would show cause in their overall performances at club level to be considered for the next stage of the Kumuls’ preparations, Tinemau said.