PNG School Boys QLD Tour

[mikail-eagle]

U16's and u18's tour starts tomorrow.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/51505

It’s no holiday
Source:
The National, Tuesday 18th June 2013
THE national Under-16 and U18 rugby league teams annual tour to Brisbane, Australia, will not be a holiday, Brad Tassell warned yesterday.
“This is not a holiday for the players. It will be mentally and physically demanding,” Tassell said.
“We want to test them against the best, improve them as footballers and show them the mindset and attitude they need to adopt to reach the top.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Lea*gue Foundation (PNGRLF) national elite schoolboys’ sides will play four matches in eight days against quality opposition.
Players in the two teams started arriving in Port Moresby on Sunday for a three-day camp. They fly out tomorrow.
Tassell, the foundation chief executive officer, said the tour was vital for the development of the national game.
“It’s a critical part of the national pro*gramme where the players selected from the national championships last year will get to test themselves against some of the best young rugby league players in the state,” he said.
“One of the matches is against the club state champions and national finalists Redcliffe, while the other games are against top-level schoolboys. They will be exposed to the Queensland Origin side in camp through coach Mal Meninga, which we believe will have a positive effect on how they approach their football in the future.
“We believe we have the next batch of Team Kumul members in the squads and for PNG to be successful long-term it is vital that we have a strong junior development schoolboys programme.”
Elite development manager Shane Morris said he expected the players to more than hold their own on tour.
“We have some amazing talent in the squads. Some of the kids have been in the system now for over two years and are at a very advanced skill level, probably more advanced than the senior PNG players as they have been taught the basic skills at an early age and it now comes as second nature to them,” Morris said.
“We are not going over there to just compete – we expect results and we expect the players to perform.
“We have put a lot of time and effort into the programme and instil strong values and discipline into the players and what we need now is for them to put that training into action.”
U16 squad: Bill Paul, Wanipu Chris, Zogi Kakae, Wesley Mathies, Albert Iluba, Solomon Nick, Pepela Asineha, Michael Ragi, Wemin Mockley Bani, Jendrick Wamuki, Ruskin Kakae, Onames Raima, Maino Auri, Thomas Roka, Charles Dawai, Peter Obe, Joshua Sari, Anderson Benford, Isep Kalas, Taui Perry.
U18 squad: Gore Maima, Manu Issac, Mathias Kawage, Eliakim Lukara, Patrick Inapero, Solomon Nandepe, Gabby Leo, John Ragi Jnr, Lavax Ketauwo, Dickson Issac Amea, Bali Las, Himson Lavu, John Markham Jnr, Warren Glare, Brendan Nima, Josiah Jimmy, Nickson Borana, Kogen Tai, Ereman Ken, Silas Gahuna, Joseph Negio, Wellington Albert, Watson Repo.58

 

[mikail-eagle]

Game dates & times for the boys during their Queensland Tour.


The PNGRL Foundation National Schoolboys Rugby League Development tour of Brisbane 2013

THURSDAY 20th JUNE
u16 V Wavell State High at 1pm
u18 V St. Brendans at 6pm

FRIDAY 21st JUNE
u16 V Ipswich SHS at 1pm
u18 V Ipswich SHS at 2pm

SUNDAY 23rd JUNE
u16 V Qld PNG R/L Inc. at 4pm
u18 V Qld PNG R/L Inc. at 5.30pm

TUESDAY 25th JUNE
u16 V Redcliffe at 1pm
u18 V Redcliffe at 2.30pm

 

[mikail-eagle]

Will be the only player in the touring team to have played in the National Digicel Cup Competition.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/51434

Wellington makes cut for schoolboys tour
Source:
The National, Monday 17th June 2013
By GABRIEL LAHOC

PROMISING Lae Snax Tigers rookie, Wellington Albert will miss two Digicel Cup matches as he will be part of the Papua New Guinea national elite schoolboys’ team to tour Brisbane, Australia, this week.
Albert is part of the squad selected after training camps conducted by the PNG Rugby League Foundation around the country.
“They will play four matches in 10 days against top quality opposition to improve them as footballers, change their mind-set and open their eyes to what they could achieve and to get them used to competing internationally at a higher level,” PNGRFL chief executive officer Brad Tassell said from Port Moresby.
Albert will be the only player with any Digicel Cup experience.

His potential and discipline also saw him selected into the Kumuls high performance camp preparing for the rugby league World Cup later this year under director Mal Meninga and head coach Adrian Lam.

He debuted last Sunday against the Kemele Hela Wigman weeks after the Tigers management under Tim Rogers followed the recommendation of PNGRLF development officers Shane Morris and Jason Tassell to take him into their team.
“We recommended and worked closely with the Snax Tigers through Tim Rogers about setting up an academy type programme for the talented schoolboys players in their region, similar to what the Gurias do in Rabaul,” Tassell said.
“I would like to congratulate the Tigers management and coach Stanley Tepend on their foresight and vision to listen to our recommendations and take this on.
“They are doing a great job this year and they recognise that a strong junior development programme and nurturing the talented youth in their region coming through the schoolboys programme will sustain their football programme long-term,” he said.
Tassell said the cooperation between the foundation and the club would pay off for the game not only in Lae but nationally.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/51572

Ready to rumble
Source:
The National, Wednesday June 18th, 2013
By PETER PUSAL
LAVAX Ketauwo, a 17-year-old five-eighth from Masi, Goroka, says he cannot wait to run on the field in Brisbane tomorrow.
Ketauwo will play for the national Under-18 schoolboys in their first tour match against Saint Brendan’s.
In the other tour opener, the U16s play Wavell State High.
The Highlands Zone representative will play for the national side for the second time after playing for the U16s on last year’s tour.
The PNG Rugby League Foundation-organised tour is having a positive impact on the country’s young talent, with players like Ketauwo benefiting from the high performance training he has had over a two-year period.
“Last year, we were new to the programme but we learned a lot. We took in a lot of good tips and advice and it has really improved my game,” Ketauwo said.
“We’ve even been using the GPS (Global Positioning System) like the Kumul Camp and NRL players to track our progress,” the Goroka Secondary Year 10 student said.
“We learned stuff like how to prepare properly, all the different and best stretches, fitness, patterns, and other things to improve our game.”
Ketauwo (pictured), who is a big fan of South Sydney’s Greg Inglis in the Australian National Rugby League, backs his home Digicel Cup side the Goroka Lahanis and follows fellow Goroka native Walter Hasu of the Lae Tigers.
“I hope to play well in Brisbane and hopefully we win all our four games,” he said.
“I just want do my job well, directing sets, taking on the line, kicking and chasing well and helping the side to win.
“Last year we lost two and won two so I think if we can do the things we did in training, that will get us the win.”
Players from these two groups are eventually expected to make the transistion to senior football, if they have not already done so, over the next two to three seasons but they would have a big advantage over their predecessors having experienced a well-run elite training programme.
The touring side already boast one fully-fledged Digicel Cup players in Lae Tigers big winger Wellington Albert, who is likely to play a leadership role on tour.
He said he was grateful at the effort his trainers had put into getting him and his teammates ready for the tour.
“They have got us ready and showed us how to prepare and we will gain from that. Jason Tassell (head trainer) is really good. I like the way he trains us,” Ketauwo said of the former Sydney City Roosters hardman who is the chief trainer of the schoolboys.

 

[mikail-eagle]

First 2 games of the tour were played yesterday afternoon.

Results:

Under 16's Game

Fulltime score : Wavell State High 24 PNG 14


Under 18's Game

Fulltime score : St Brendans 12 PNG 62


Next 2 games this afternoon, both against Ipswich u16's & u18's

 

[Sydney Knight]

I wonder if the NRL scouts will be watching these games?

Do we still have the Visa issues that previously made it hard for PNG players to come to Australia?

 

[mikail-eagle]

Not sure about NRL scouts but I'm told that there was an NRL accredited player manager watching the games closely.

Pictures / Videos and updates of the tour can be followed on the PNG Rugby League Foundations Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PngRugbyLeagueFoundation?fref=ts

 

[mikail-eagle]

The PNG School boys have won both of their matches today againts Ipswich State High.

1. PNG U16's 22 def Ipswich State High U16's 6

2. PNG U18's 26 def Ipswich State High U18's 6

 

[mikail-eagle]

The next games for the boys will be on Sunday against Queensland PNG U16's & U18's.

As highlighted by their name, the QLD PNG teams are made up off PNG Heritage players and PNG students who play rugby league for various state highs schools & Junior Rugby League Clubs throughout Queensland. So its really like a Junior PNG Kumuls trail game.

 

[mikail-eagle]

The boys played 2 games yesterday against Queensland PNG.

The under 16's game was won by Queensland PNG while the under 18's was won by the PNG School Boys.

Scores as follows;

1. Under 16's - QLD PNG 24 -PNG 10
2. Under 18's - QLD PNG 14 - PNG 36

To date the the PNG under 16's have won 1 and lost 2 while the under 18's have won 3 from 3 games.

Their last games are against Redcliffe Dolphins u16's and u18's tomorrow afternoon.

 

[mikail-eagle]

On Saturday during their rest day the PNG boys got to watch the Maroons team in training. And before that on Friday they got to watch a session of the Broncos in the morning.

Pictures / videos etc can be viewed on the PNG Rugby League Foundation Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/PngRugbyLeagueFoundation?fref=ts

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.redcliffedolphins.com.au/?id=5215

PNG National schoolboys hit Dolphin Oval


The Village Motors Junior Dolphins go head to head against the touring Papua New Guinea schoolboy teams on Tuesday 25th June.

The PNG National Schoolboys Development teams in the under 16 and under 18 age groups will play on Dolphin Oval at 1pm and 2:30pm respectively.

This time last year, the PNG squads also visited the Dolphins to play friendly games against our junior teams.

"It was a fantastic experience for all of the players involved, and our boy's really got to see how much passion and aggression the PNG boys play," schools coordinator Steve Grant said of last year's matches.

"They are very committed to playing for each other and their country" he continued.

Steve Grant who coordinated the matches with Shane Morris the PNG Schoolboys Director says of the tourists.

"They play an exciting brand of football and definitely win the hearts of both the players and the crowd with their gleaming big smiles and the way they go about their business before, during and after games".

When asked about how the young boys from PNG feel about the trip Shane Morris says,

"It is all a huge learning experience for them just travelling to Australia, as a lot of them come from small villages and have never been on a plane or played at a field in good condition like Dolphin Oval".

Anyone interested in watching the game is reminded that access to Dolphin Oval for the game will be via the Northern Gate entrance only.

Follow the driveway along the left hand side of the Dolphins Health Precinct to park behind the complex and walk down the old driveway to the Dolphin Oval northern gate.

By Dolphins Media - June 21, 2013

 

[The Partisan]

The boys played 2 games yesterday against Queensland PNG.

The under 16's game was won by Queensland PNG while the under 18's was won by the PNG School Boys.

Scores as follows;

1. Under 16's - QLD PNG 24 -PNG 10
2. Under 18's - QLD PNG 14 - PNG 36

To date the the PNG under 16's have won 1 and lost 2 while the under 18's have won 3 from 3 games.

Their last games are against Redcliffe Dolphins u16's and u18's tomorrow afternoon.

Out of interest - where were these games played ?

Shame i hadn't been on the site or i would have gone for a squiz if the games were in BrisVegas !

 

[mikail-eagle]

Out of interest - where were these games played ?

(

The games against the various state high schools were played at each of the schools Rugby League Ovals.

Yesterdays games were played at Langlands park home of the Brisbane Easts Rugby League. And believe it or not it was played after the Intrust Super Cup game between Easts and Mackay Cutters.

Last game is tomorrow at Redicliff's dolphin Oval.

 

[mikail-eagle]

The 2 under 18 sides lined up before the game on Sunday.

QLD PNG on the left and PNG on the right.

 

[mikail-eagle]

The PNG boys played their last games yesterday afternoon againts the Redcliffe Dolphins under 16's and under 18's.


PNG won the under 16's game 22 -14 but in the under 18's Redcliffe Dolphins won 36-nil.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Summery

PNG under 16's- Played 4 games, won 2 and lost 2

PNG under 18's- Played 4 games, won 3 and lost 1

All four games were played within a 6 day period which is quite an achievement in itself and it definitely tested the boys physically and mentally.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Highlights Redcliffe Dolphins U16's vs PNG U16's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-TIzC7tl7xg

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.qt.com.au/news/ipswich-footballers-benefit-from-pngs-skill/1920958/


Ipswich footballers benefit from PNG's skill


A SCHOOL team taking on a national side is a rare experience.

So it pays to make the most of such opportunities.

The Ipswich State High School first grade rugby league team did just that on Friday when they hosted the Papua New Guinea under 18 team, going down 26-6.

"It was a superb event," ISHS coach Lee Addison said.

"The only thing that wasn't right was the weather."

Addison was left in awe of the ball skills of the PNG players.

He compared their ability to slip passes to the way Muttiah Muralitharan delivered a cricket ball.

"They off-loaded us to death," Addison said.

"The PNG boys' ability to throw the ball around made you wonder how that was possible."

Despite the loss Addison was delighted with how his team performed, as it was a quality team they were up against. One of the PNG under 18 forwards is in the Kumuls senior squad for this year's World Cup.

"I was really happy," Addison said.

"They scored three tries on our line from passive tackles.

"But there were not that many technical things I can pull my boys up on.

"We've had a few big wins and when you do players can get some lazy habits.

"But under pressure we stuck to our structures.

"It was a very good game.

"I don't think they were a 20 point better side.

"They were a better team but I was really proud of our boys."

At the end of the game both teams celebrated with singing and dancing, capping a memorable afternoon.

"It was very sporting," Addison said of the clash.

"There was no malicious play.

"The game was played in fabulous spirit and they were getting stuck into each other.

"It was a great experience for our kids."

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.nospam18.com/rlp-nations...elite-schoolboys-international-tour-a-success


PNG rugby league foundation national elite schoolboys international tour a success


The PNG RL Foundations National Elite U16 & U18 teams returned home after a successfulInternational tour. The 8-day tour saw the PNG teams play 4 matches in 6 days against top quality Club and Schoolboy teams in Brisbane. The U16’s team won 2 matches out of their 4 with the U18 winning 3 of their 4 tour matches.

Apart from the matches the players also furthered their rugby league education with visits to watch the Broncos and the Qld Origin teams train, tour of the Broncos training facility, talks by development staff and attending Wednesday nights State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium.

PNG Rugby League Foundation CEO Brad Tassell said it was a tough initiation for the players but the tour was to give the players a crash course in rugby league and to test themselves against some of the best talent in Queensland and the country;

“We were exceptionally proud of the players. Their behaviour, attitude and discipline both on and off the field was exceptional. It’s about changing the mindset of how they approach their rugby league and to give them the right attitude, discipline and approach. We believe the lessons they learn and the discipline taught will not only improve them as footballers but also as young men. We also wanted to prove that if you give the youth in PNG a structured program that they can excel in that they don’t have to move to Australia at an early age to make it in Rugby League. There is still a long way to go but we are seeing more and more talented players coming through each year, who understand what is required of them. In a few years these kids will be the future Kumuls and they will already have the right attitude and know the basics making Mal and Adrian’s job a lot easier. This is part of a long-term plan to have a structured pathway right from schoolboys to the top level to place PNG firmly in place as one of the premier rugby league nations in the world.”

Tassell said he was particularly proud of the U16’s performances, considering it was the first year for the majority of the squad in the program;

“Most of the U16 players are turning 15 this year and there are only 2 players left from last years squad, so it was a real learning experience and an eye opener for the players. They played against older and much bigger opposition but won 2 matches and only lost their other 2 matches by 10 points or less so they were incredibly competitive. Imagine what these kids can do after 2 or 3 years in the program”

Tassel also added that the performances were even more exceptional when you compare preparations;

“While our program is achieving great results you have to remember we are playing against teams who have played and trained together basically every day since 11 or 12 years old. Our players have had 2 elite camps and are spread across the nation. The tour was the first matches they have EVER played together so that is testament I believe to how good our PNG youth are and can be when given this type of opportunity.”

Tassell said the performances of the U18 were extraordinary and is excited about the future of the players;

“Our U18’s were dominant throughout the tour. Most have been in the program from 3 years now and you can see the difference it makes. The Redcliffe game was a blow out but it was the 4th game in six days and the U18’s played some very big and physical teams so they were probably exhausted by the last match. Despite that the game was only 6-0 at half time but the boys copped 10 penalties against them in the second half and only had the ball for 2 sets of six. Redcliffe are state champions and the second best club team in Australia so you cant give them that much ball and expect to hold them out.”

Tassell said the U18’s third match against the QLD based PNG representatives side last Sunday after the Easts vs. Mackay State League match was the highlight of the tour;

“The boys were really up for that match and it was an exceptionally entertaining game of rugby league. Our boys were up against 19 & 20 year olds where were big tough and physical, however we showed amazing discipline, entertaining attack and strong and physical defence. Wellington Albert put on some massive shots in defence and scored two tries leading from the front while Patrick Inapero was unstoppable with his footwork running from dummy half. There were talent scouts at the game and I can tell you they were writing down names and enquiring about the players.”

Tassell said he has been approached by Talent Scouts and Player Agents, but wanted to ensure the kids and families were fully informed about how the system works and that the players if offered any scholarships or contracts were looked after;

“It’s important the players welfare comes first and that we don’t just jump at the first offer. It has to be right for the players and families and they have to be looked after to ensure they have the best chance of succeeding. Every player who comes through the program and succeeds gives the next 14 or 15 year old the chance to do the same. Without this program these kids would never have had this opportunity to be exposed to scouts in Australia. The scouts were blown away buy the performances particularly of the U18 players. Imagine how good they could be under a full time Rugby League structure? This could open up the door to more clubs and rugby league schools looking at PNG for talent instead of other pacific nations and the opportunity for PNG Rugby League youth is now realistic and attainable.”

It is highly likely that one (1) player will earn an NRL contract in the next few months while several other players will be given an opportunity for scholarships with schools and/or U20 playing contracts for next year.

Tassell said this was an amazing result from one tour:

“It just shows what I have always believed about the enormous amount of talent in this nation – all it needs is a pathway and for PNG youth to be given an opportunity to show what they can do. I am excited about the contacts and the doors that have been opened as a result of the tour.”

Tassell also paid special tribute to the Minister for Sport Justin Tkatchenko:

“The Minister believes in the youth of PNG and that they can excel through sport. The entire tour was funded through the Sports Enhancement fund and the kids have repaid the faith shown in them by the Minister 10 fold. Without the funding the tour could not have happened and the kids would not have the opportunity in front of them that they now have. He is an amazing man who understands that this program is vital to the youth of the Nation and the future of Rugby League in this country. On behalf of the players and management from the tour we sincerely thank the Minister for his wonderful support.”

He also appealed to the business community to assist in funding the program long-term:

“We now have a pathway and we now have kids who have come through and are on the cusp of rugby league careers. We now need to ensure that the program is here long-term for the next batch of youth coming through to follow the pathway blazed by the current players. The national program costs in excess of K1.2million per year to deliver and we need to fund this through sponsorship. It’s a massive national program and a PNG company can be responsible for developing the first players through the program to go onto the NRL and represent their nation.”

2013 TOUR RESULTS
U16 vs. Wavell High Lost 24 to 14
U16 vs. Ipswich High Won 22 to 6
U16 vs. PNG QLD U17 Lost 24 to 10
U16 vs. Redcliffe Won 22 to 14
U18 vs. St Brendans Won 62 to 12
U18 vs. Ipswich High Won 26 to 6
U18 vs. QLD PNG U19 Won 36 to 14
U18 vs. Recliffe Lost 42 to 0