POST COURIER – The Papua New Guinea Pepes final squad of 20 will be announced following the second phase of the training program.
Coach Unaisi Rokoura said that the Pepes have one more phase to complete before they finalise the squad for the XV Pacific Games.
“It’s positive to see that the girls are adapting well to the training load,” she said.
A lead-up tournament for the Pepes has been scheduled in Fiji form April 17-21 where the team will play against Singapore, Fiji and Fiji A teams, Rokoura said.
“We will use this lead-up as our final selection so will be taking a 20 member Pepes squad.
We will field two teams, a possible and probable team for all matches in Fiji.
Rokoura said that after the matches in Fiji, she will sit with the selectors and finalise and announce the final 15 for the Pacific Games in July.
“Once the names have been announced, the final 15 will go into camp.
We have organised a four-day training camp with the PNG Defence Force.
This camp is crucial as the team will be going through military obstacles courses, problem solving and team building activities,” Rokoura added.
“We have been in discussion with the Defence Force personnel.
We are planning to schedule the camp from April 30 to May 3,” she said.
In June after the final 15 is announced, a 10 day tournament is planned for the Pepes to play top clubs and league teams in Brisbane as a final hit-out before the Games.
