World Footy News

On Wednesday morning, the PNG U16 Binatangs flew out of Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, bound for Brisbane. The task ahead, taking on the challenge of the Under 16 QLD state championships. The first round has been played and the Papua New Guinean boys have already had a win.

The tournament, held at the Zillmere Football Club, follows the schedule as below :

Thursday April 28

First round of matches between South Eastern Bushrangers, Suncoast Power, Gold Coast Stingrays, Western Taipans, Country Kookaburras, Northern Raiders, AFL Q Colts and the PNG Binatangs.

Friday April 29 being a rehab day.

Saturday April 30
Game 5 : Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2
Game 6 : Loser Game 3 vs Loser Game 4
Game 7 : Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2
Game 8 : Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 4

Sunday May 1 being a rehab day

Monday May 2
7th playoff : Loser Game 5 vs Loser Game 6
5th playoff : Winer Game 5 vs Winner Game 6
3rd playoff : Loser Game 7 vs Loser Game 8
1st playoff : Winner Game 7 vs Winner Game 8.

The coach of the Coca Cola Binatangs, Mr. Nathan Napkai was excited about the prospect of pitting his squad, many of whom have been training at the De La Salle College in Bomana through the year, against the best under 16s in Queensland.

“We have a lot of talent in our group. Players including Scott Johnson, Ori Nilmo and Michael Macca have experience playing internationally and are ready for this challenge. The core of the group are AFLPNG academy students and have trained and lived together for over 1 year. This core will make the PNG side stronger this year, than in previous years.”

PNG vs BUSHRANGERS

PNG 11.8 (74) defeated the highly rated South East QLD Bushrangers 5.4 (34)

Coach Napkai was thrilled “We kept a cool head and we were well disciplined; now we have to focus on our next game against Suncoast Power who are a strong team.”

“Coming off the Oceania Cup win in Tonga in 2010, the boys wanted to prove themselves against Australian opposition.”

AFL PNG Academy student Eddie Meli was judged best on ground, others amongst the best included Scott Johnson, Major Alphonse, Max Lavai and Junior Francis. Johnson kicked 3 goals.

Squad :
Jeremy Pikik, Kennedy Lavatu, Junior Francis, Isaac Bakani, Jacky Tony, Bruno Arnold, Ben Otio, Ricky Robert, Ben Tirang, Major Alphonse, Douglas Kaiwa, Aula Kobale, Junior Lavu, Tony Ronnie, Nane Rai, Albert Gabi, Wilfred Dorogori, Daniel Gitua, Michael Macca, Jeconiah Peni, Raymond Prenai, Ruben Jiak, Max Lavai, Scott Johnson, Eddie Meli, Ori Nilmo, Noel Maguna, Freddy Kalandi,