World Footy News

AFL PNG has been a top two finish in each of the 4 AFL International Cup tournaments to date and will look in 2014 to repeat their success of 2008 when they took out the big one at the MCG.

The following is a media release from AFL PNG announcing their initial IC14 squad.

AFL PNG has named an initial 42 man squad for the 2014 International Cup to be held in Melbourne in August next year. These selections have been based on performances by the emerging Mosquitoes in Lae in September, BSP Cup form, Australian form and past national performances. Injuries have also been considered.

The squad can and will be added to and deleted at any time.

Training for players in Port Moresby has commenced on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Murray Barracks.

Tuesdays and Thursdays will commence at half four in the afternoon while Saturday training is at nine o’clock in the morning.

AFL PNG’s Senior Operations Manager, Rex Leka, is coordinating the preparation of the initial squad. Leka was Captain of the successful 2008 Mosquitoes squad who won PNG’s only International Cup.

Leka said: “We have a strong squad and we have an unprecedented amount of players with high level Australian experience. Our local Port Moresby senior competition had ten strong teams this year. But it all comes down to preparation, fitness, skill, and a real desire to represent your country. We will only pick fit players who demonstrate a passion for the Mosquitoes jumper.

“Our campaign started with the match against the Australian Army in September. The guys have had a bit of a rest and now it is time to get serious about winning the International Cup in 2014. I hope the boys are as excited as I am about what lies ahead. The International Cup is a wonderful experience for our young players. And this time we will have at least ten players who have been there before in the likes of Emmaus Wartovo, Emmanuel Tupia, John James, Stanis Susuve, David Meli and Peter Milaura.”

Some of the leading players selected include Gideon Simon (Richmond FC) and John James (Aspley FC).

Initial squad

Peter Labi (North Cairns)
Ryan Agita (Broadbeach)
Stanis Susuve (Coolangatta)
Amua Pirika (Campbelltown)
Emmaus Wartovo (Port Moresby Dockers)
Gideon Simon (Richmond)
John James (Aspley)
Jason So'ong (Coolamon)
Jeconiah Peni (Campbelltown)
Emmanuel Tupia (Port Moresby Dockers)
Greg Aki (Coolamon)
John Ikupu (West Coburg)
Peter Milaura (Gulf Giants)
Stanis Agita (Broadbeach)
Donald Barry (Coolangatta)
Paul Phillip (Gordons Kokofas)
Theo Gavuri (Sydney Hills Eagles)
Jeffrey Namete (Taurama Suns)
Sylvester Mangaea (Port Moresby Dockers)
Brendan Beno (Coolangatta)
Willie Asi (North Cairns)
Michael Macca (Carnington/Linton)
Scott Johnson (Carnington/Linton)
Chris Mong (Taurama Suns)
Wingti Pena (University Tigers)
David Topeni (University Tigers)
Alphonse Jambafuro (Campbelltown)
Laurie Logo (University Tigers)
Clydie Pulah (University Tigers)
Elliot Takolu (Lae)
Freddie Kalandi (Mt Hagen)
Tony Meli (Lae)
Freeman Keno (Lae)
Greg Ekari (Bomana Cats)
Kataha Siwee (Bomana Cats)
Luke Savere (Bomana Cats)
Brendan Gotuno (University Tigers)
Ezra Gotuno (Gerehu Magpies)
Ori Nilmo (Port Moresby Dockers)
David Stegman (Mt. Hagen)
Richard Stegman (Mt. Hagen)
Sunny Yogomin (Gordons Kokofas)
Sam Ila (Gordons Kokofas)
David Meli (Port Moresby Dockers)

The following Academy players are also expected to attend Mosquitoes training:
Eddie Gavuri
Jackson Nawi
Josh Jesse
Peter Lavong
John Susuve
James Kembu
Hosea Wartovo
Ricky Hoikare
Gideon Hauta