World Footy News

Queensland footy is all the stronger for their embracing of PNG footballers both at local and state level. One player leading the way is Donald Barry - in such good form there's even a suggestion he could be the first "home grown" Papua New Guinean to make the AFL. Another who we've watched closely since his excellent display in the 2008 International Cup grand final, Amua Pirika, turned in perhaps a career best match last week, prompting high praise from his coach.

Amua Pirika, previously known as a key forward, has been moved into defence by the Mt Gravatt Vultures and the 19 year old was clearly the best on ground in their recent win over the Northern Territory Thunder in the Queensland State League. Playing in the back pocket he repeatedly repelled attacks and set up his own side in attack. Coached by David Lake, who is also PNG’s new National Coach, he is making the most of his opportunities.

Lake said “Amua’s game was out of this world. He played in front and caught everything that came his way, he carried the ball down the ground and didn’t waste it, and even won some ball inside 50”.

Lake was of the opinion that Pirika had every chance of following in the footsteps of Mt Gravatt’s PNG recruits Don Barry (Brisbane) and Peter Labi (Carlton) who were international rookie listed at the end of last season. Pirika’s performance won him the nab AFLQ Rising Star nomination for Round 7 and interestingly for PNG footy, Pirika’s teammate John James wasn’t far behind with his fierce attack on the ball constantly locking it in the forward line.

Brisbane rookie Donald Barry has kicked 16 goals (two bags of 4 goals so far) already for the Brisbane Lions Reserves and been named among their best. He has been selected in the Queensland Representative Squad to play Tasmania in June, and is eligible as he has not yet made his debut for the Lions in the AFL. Andrew Cadzow, when contacted recently by WFN, is hopeful that he may yet be upgraded to the senior list and make his debut before the end of 2010.

Barry is not the only PNG player selected at state level with John James and Stanis Susuve (Gold Coast top up player) both selected in the Queensland U21 state team and David Meli was one of the key players in Queensland’s recent win over Tasmania as part of the U18 National Championships. Meli, who has an international scholarship with Essendon, was great in the midfield as he accumulated 28 possessions and bombed the ball inside 50 on eight occasions.