11 newcomers in – The National

Inexperienced Pukpuks thrown into deep end as disciplinary axe falls on previous squad

**PNG Rugby Union has retained Paul Peter Tono to lead an inexperienced Pukpuks team to the final leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series in Munich, Germany. – Picture supplied**

By MICHAEL PHILIP
THE Pukpuks will unleash 11 debutants in the third leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series on Saturday in Munich, Germany, after PNG Rugby Union axed 90 per cent of the squad that returned from the Uruguay series.
The union have disbanded the team that took part in the second leg of the series in Montevideo, Uruguay, citing disciplinary issues, and have released Aiem Pilokos as head coach.
PNGRU president Paul Siwi told The National yesterday that John Larry was appointed interim coach, while retaining the services of senior player Paul Peter Tono to lead the 12-man team.
He said Derrick Voku, Benjamin Kennedy, Todam Dampan, Kunak Late, Maluai Patala, Benson Hayai, Morrison Dickson, Philip Singoiae, Richard Mautu, Shaun Ongapa and Blake Mindipi were all axed.
“Ill-discipline is the reason why we had to drop them,” Siwi said.
“They are relegated to the development squad. Few of them left to play rugby league,” he said. “Nothing is permanent. Changes happen, we manage and move on.”
Interim coach Larry told The National that the 11 players deserved a call-up for their commitment and dedication to training.
“These boys have done a really great job since being selected into the squad,” Larry said.
“They were consistent with training and were patient despite missing out on selection in the first and second legs. Consistency speaks louder and these boys have done that.
“With hope, trust and belief, these boys have what it takes to prove critics wrong and at least finish on a high note in the final leg,” said Larry.
Larry said they would miss the experience of the seasoned campaigners, but he was confident the young side would deliver at the world stage under Tono’s leadership.
“Their absence is a huge blow to the team. We are hoping that this challenge would act as a motivation to boost them.”
Meanwhile, Siwi said coach Pilokos has decided to leave the national team.
“I think he (Pilokos) lost interest in the job. Too many critics challenging him, the game is result-driven, we need results, and our sponsors need results.
“We did not sideline him, he quit so we had to let him go.”
Squad: Lawrence Lamond, Jaybes Pangas, Bernard ToAlbert, Nashon Benjamin (forwards) Paul Peter Tono, Emmanuel Zoriry, Rex Peregua, Ben Lasiel, Bartholomew Levi (backs), Elipas Tataeng, Himson Tukar, Kolin Tokau (finisher).