World Footy News

In a very disappointing result Papua New Guinea, red hot favourites for the youth Oceania Cup, have pulled out of the tournament.

Preliminary reports suggest that the withdrawal was a combination of immigration issues and a flight cancellation.

The good news is that scouts from Hawthorn, Geelong, Carlton and the Brisbane Lions are in Suva for the tournament, although the loss of PNG and strong winds will no doubt reduce the quality on display.

The change should leave the door wide open for New Zealand to win the inaugural tournament. A new draw has been hastily arranged. Each team with play the other once, with the highest ranked side the winner (i.e. no finals).