Date: 13/12/13
Head Coach of the PNG Intrust Super Cup team Michael Marum has today announced the 25-‐man full time squad for the clubs inaugural 2014 Season.
The Squad, which has been trimmed from 53 players who were invited to participate in the off-‐season selection camp at Bomana, will stay in camp until the 20th December before breaking for Xmas and return on January 3rd for full time training.
Marum said he was happy with the squad and the progress of the players in camp;
“This is a very strong squad and the players attitude and way they have trained since the camp began is the reason they have made the final 25 man squad. We have laid down a strict code of conduct right from day 1 and the players have responded and shown that they are 100% dedicated to what we are doing and that is the type of player we want in the program.
I have been particularly impressed with some of the guys who took the disappointment of not making the World Cup squad on the chin and right from the start of camp have been leading from the front. They and the rest of the squad have put in the hard work and effort and shown us they want this opportunity. That is the attitude, drive and determination we want and the team culture we are intent on building.
We have a young squad (average age of 23), who are the next generation of players coming through. They are the future and they are responding well to the tough training and code of conduct we have implemented.
We are also monitoring other players and if they prove themselves in the Digicel Cup and display the right attitude they may also get an opportunity throughout the year and in the future for a call up.”
PNGRFL Deputy Chairman Sandis Tsaka said;
“The feedback from the camp has been tremendous. Michael and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job to date and they have the full confidence of myself and the Board to get the job done with the squad they have selected. I applaud the tough stance Michael and his staff has taken with the players and for some it is a hard lesson they will have to learn and they will now have to prove they deserve another chance. For the players who missed out I know they got a lot out of the opportunity and will go back to their clubs better players and know what they have to work on to improve. It is very exciting to see how the team is shaping up and we are all looking forward to kick-‐off in 2014.”
PNGRFL Interim CEO Brad Tassell also added;
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to set the tone for developing a Club Culture from the start and the players have responded under Michael and his staff. This sends a very strong and powerful message to all players that this is the standard we require. In a short space of time the coaches have already noticed changes in the players all round attitude. They are already becoming a tightly knit bunch, encouraging each other in the gym and on the field and that is a very positive sign. We always said that if given the chance to be a part of a full time professional structure at the highest level possible, the talent in PNG can and will develop quickly.
I am also particularly excited about some of the talent discovered from the recent National Championships in Lae this year in Brandy Peter and Edward Goma who have made the final cut. These are young raw talents who haven’t played Digicel Cup yet, but who have impressed the staff with their attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn. They still have a long way to go and a lot to learn but it’s an indication of the talent that is out there still waiting to be discovered.
Obviously we want to be competitive and will be doing everything possible to be fully prepared but we are also looking to the future and laying a strong base and foundation of young players who we can build upon for the future.”
PNG INTRUST SUPER CUP TEAM 25 MAN FULL TIME SQUAD
Adex Wera, Gonzela Urakusie, Israel Eliab, Joe Bruno, Lawrence Tu’u, Mark Mexico, Noel Joel, Noel Zemming, Roger Laka,
Sabastian Pandia, Thompson Teteh, Tiger Emery, Timothy Lomai, Wartovo Puara Jnr, Wellington Albert, Willie Minoga
The PNG Intrust Super Cup Club will also release the name, colours and naming rights sponsor of the team at a launch next week.
The pre-‐season schedule and opening two Intrust Super Cup games have also been locked in as follows:
Vs. Northern Pride, Cairns, Sunday 9th February 2014
Vs. CQ Capras, Rockhampton, Saturday 15th February 2014
