Goena makes comeback

Former captain sets eyes on Oceania Championship

By MICHAEL PHILIP
FORMER Papua New Guinea Pukpuks captain Mhusty Goena is set to make his return into the national squad after missing out on a few international competitions due to an injury sustained last year during the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The two-time Pukpuks captain, who led the side in the 2023 Oceania Championships and 2023 Pacific Games, fractured his fibula while playing against the home side at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Goena spent eight months in rehabilitation with tireless support from the Papua New Guinea High Performance and Active PhysioFix.
He admitted that more work needed to be done on and off the field to get fully fit before the national team assembles in September in preparations for the 2024 Oceania Championships in Brisbane set for November.

“It’s good to be back and for sure, will have to work hard to get back into shape,” Goena told The National. “It was a fibula fracture injury that I sustained last year during the Pacific Games in our game with Solomon Islands. It was a hip-drop tackle.
“I was rushed to the hospital and got admitted there. My surgery and everything was done there and after the games we travelled back to the country and was taken care of by Active PhysioFix and PNGHP. They helped me with my full rehab until I fully recovered. Big thanks to them.
“I am now on full body contact and joined the Port Moresby Harlequins taking part in the Capital Rugby Union competition.”
The 23-year-old was selected into the rugby 7s men’s national team back in 2022 while playing for the Capital Rugby Boromas during the KPHL 7s tournament and had cemented his spot in the squad for the last three years.
Despite missing out in the squad for the three World Rugby Sevens Challenger series tournament in Dubai, Uruguay and Germany this year, Goena said he would focus on his personal training and local competitions as he aims for a spot in the team for the Oceania Rugby Seven Championships in November.
“I missed a lot of tournaments lately, so in order for me to get back into the squad, I need to prove myself and get back into the starting side for upcoming tournaments,” he said.
“All my hopes are on the Oceania Championships, just have to focus on local comp and perform well.
“In regards to our withdrawal (from the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifier in Monaco), its’ very disappointing but I can’t say much on that because the issue is beyond our control. There are right individuals who can solve that.
“My only advice to the full squad is to put your heads up, remain discipline, maintain form and fitness, and maintain good behaviour and attitude.”
Goena extended his word of thanks to his mother and family for their support over the last three years in his rugby career, not forgetting the coaches and clubs who had helped towards his development and recovery phase.