PNG Name Squad for Return to Redfern 2013

Papua New Guinea national selectors have kept faith in the PNG team that took on the Australian Prime Minister's XIII in September by naming an unchanged 20-man squad to play the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Return to Redfern 2013 on Saturday 9 February at the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre at Redfern Oval.

PNG Coach Adrian Lam led the team to a narrow 24-18 loss to the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII side, and will be at the helm for PNG's February tour in Australia.

Interim PNG Rugby Football League chairman Don Fox announced the team at a media conference this week, featuring players from the domestic PNG Rugby League competition.

“We deliberately did that and believe we made the right decision,” Fox said.

“Those who played in the PM’s XIII match did very well against the Kangaroos and it wouldn’t be right to leave them out totally after what they showed in that match.

“Who is to say they won’t be as good against the (South Sydney) Rabbitohs?”

The game is a key part of the PNG Kumuls’ preparations for the 2013 World Cup tournament in England next October.

Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who officially endorsed the team, praised the selection process and emphasised the opportunity presented to the players.

“This is an opportunity for our very own home-grown players to be seen and exposed,” he said.

“The team was selected on merit by the collective effort of all those involved.

"It is something that has been done right and through an honest process.”

The PNG team will depart for Sydney on 1 February and return on 17 February.

The Return to Redfern 2013 match on Saturday 9 February will be the second commitment for the PNG team after a scheduled appearance at the Cabramatta International 9s tournament on 2 February.

The Rabbitohs will name their squad for the Return to Redfern match in the new year.

The Papua New Guinea squad for Return to Redfern 2013 is:

Josiah Abavu
Matthew Puke
Richard Kambo
Jason Tali
Albert Patak
Dion Aiye
Israel Eliab
Rodney Pora
Charlie Wabo
Gonzella Urakusie
David Loko
Mark Mexico
Glen Nami
Wesley Mohokule
Larsen Marabe
Enoch Maki
Wartovo Puara
Essau Siune
Roy Kela
Thompson Teteh

Coach - Adrian Lam

Only 796 Members Only Grandstand tickets remain and General Admission tickets are now open to the public, so don’t miss your chance to see the Rabbitohs play their first game of the 2013 season at the Annual Return to Redfern – which saw a SOLD OUT crowd in 2012.

The day will be full of entertainment and fun for the whole family – especially those that have had serious withdrawals from footy in the off season!

Features of the day include the traditional presentation of the first South Sydney jersey to 2013 recruits Ben Te’o, Jeff Lima, Tom Burgess and fellow new recruits on the day as well as plenty of activities to entertain the kids around the grounds including free face painting, jumping castles and Reggie Rabbit appearances.

2013 Rabbitohs Members have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to the Grandstand PLUS General Admission at a special rate.

Prices for Members are:

Grandstand
Adult - $30
Concession - $25
Junior - $20

General Admission
Adult - $25
Concession - $20
Junior - $15

To purchase your Members tickets, simply renew or join as a 2013 Member by clicking here and following the prompts.

Alternatively you can contact the Membership Team on (02) 8306 9922.

Ticket prices for the general public are:

General Admission only
Adult - $30
Concession - $25
Junior - $20

To purchase your tickets, click here and follow the prompts.

Alternatively you can contact the Membership Team on (02) 8306 9922.