PNG cricketers prepare for player placements in Australia

TEN Papua New Guinea elite cricketers will be traveling to Australia for a short-term player placement in Australia.

This includes PNG Barramundi skipper Assad Vala and fellow cricketers Sese Bau and Kipling Doriga who will be contracted to the Endeavor Hills Cricket Club with the Victoria Sub-District Cricket Association in Melbourne.

Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, and Kabua Morea have been selected for placement with Donvale Club also in the Victoria Sub-District Cricket Association in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Nosaina Pokana and Hiri Hiri will be based with the Cassowary Coast Cyclones Club in Cairns, QLD through a partnership with the Cassowary Cricket Association while U19 PNG Garamuts cricketer Gaba Frank will be contracted to Wests Club within the Sydney Grade League.

Coach Tatenda Taibu says, “It’s exciting to see some of our players heading to Australia to compete this season. In any sport, the more you play, the better you become.”

“The more matches our players have against different opponents and in varying conditions, the greater the opportunity for growth. I’m looking forward to hearing about some great performances.”

“Some of our players are already making waves. Chad Soper, for example, took seven wickets recently which is an incredible achievement! Wishing them all the best.”

Hiri was the first to depart before five other players departed for Australia earlier this week, the remaining to follow once preparations are finalized.