Papua New Guinea national Australian rules football team

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Papua New Guinea
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg
UnionPNG Rules Football Council
Nickname(s)The Mosquitoes
Coach(es)David Lake
Captain(s)John James Lavai
First international
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea 24 - 5 Nauru Nauru
(1976)[1]
The Mosquitos celebrate winning the 2008 International Cup after the siren in a thriller at the MCG against New Zealand

The Papua New Guinea national Australian rules football team (nicknamed the "Mosquitos" and for sponsorship purposes, the Telikom PNG Mosquitos) represents Papua New Guinea in the team sport of Australian rules football.

The Mosquitos represent the best PNG born and bred male players from the clubs and teams of AFL PNG and is one of the nation's most successful sporting teams, currently ranked 2nd in the world behind Australia.

Beginning as a state representative team in 1973 (when it participated in the Teal Cup), it debuted internationally in 1976 against Nauru in front of a crowd of over 10,000 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby and won convincingly by 129 points.[2] It has remained a dominant international side, becoming the most decorated nation in international Australian Football, having won the most Australian Football International Cup titles (3 - 2008, 2014, 2017) and five medals including 3 silver medals (2002, 2005, 2011), as well as three gold medals at the Arafura Games.

Identity[]

The team's nickname is the Mosquitos or "Mozzies" (aka Binatangs – local PNG name for small insects, similar to a mosquito). The moniker was formally adopted in 1993.[3]

The Mosquito's guernsey has the kumul (raggiana bird-of-paradise), a national symbol of PNG (and element of the national flag of Papua New Guinea), in the national colours of red, black and yellow.[citation needed]

History[]

In the early 1970s, Australian clubs began touring PNG to compete against selections of local players but it wasn't until 1973 that the national team first began to form, mainly to tour Australia to play against indigenous sides.[4]

As part of the celebrations for independence in 1975 the first full international test played between the national sides of Papua New Guinea and Nauru in front of a crowd of over 10,000 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby was won by PNG by 129 points.[5] Despite significant planning reciprocal tour to Nauru planned for 1978 did not eventuate. One of the biggest challenges for the national team was that many of its best players were outside of Port Moresby (some of the strongest leagues were in the north, the highlands and New Britain) and lacked a means to travel to train and play in the team, let alone to fly overseas.[citation needed]

1977 saw Australian Under 17 squad tour Papua New Guinea, and the PNG team reciprocated in Adelaide, with Australia dominating the game and taking the honours.[6]

The subsequent decline in the sport in PNG and growth of the sport in Australia did not see the Mosquitos compete again until 1995, when Aussie Rules was first played at the Arafura Games in Darwin, Northern Territory. That year PNG won the gold medal of the International division defeating New Zealand. In the same competition, PNG also competed against sides from Nauru, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In 1996 the Mosquitoes played a curtain raiser to an Australian Football League match in Perth overwhelmingly defeating the Central Desert Eagles.

In 1997, PNG successfully defended their Arafura Games title again defeating New Zealand.

In 1999 won the gold medal again at the games, once again defeating New Zealand in the final.

In 2000, the Mosquitoes were invited to play New Zealand in a curtain raiser to a pre-season AFL match in Wellington, but were unable to raise the funds required.

In 2002, Papua New Guinea competed in the International Cup in Melbourne. PNG went through the competition undefeated only to lose to Ireland in the Grand Final.

A minor setback to the representation of the Mosquitos was the cancellation of the 2003 Arafura Games due to SARS fears.

Prior to the 2005 International Cup, AFL legend Mal Michael offered to play for the PNG side, but was ruled ineligible by the AFL. Although he was born in PNG, he did not satisfy the criteria since he had moved to Australia at too young an age. Despite Michael not being involved in the side, he tipped PNG to win the competition, hailing the strong growth in the local competitions.

In the 2005 International Cup, PNG again went through the competition unbeaten only to lose the Grand Final to a much improved New Zealand national team. Papua New Guinea's best and fairest player (from the 2005 International Cup) is Navu Maha. Navu also won the award for the best player in the 2005 International Cup series and captained both the 2002 and 2005 teams.

In early 2008, the national team secured its first major sponsor – Telikom PNG – which helped to fund the junior squads competing in Australia and the senior squad's International Cup campaign.

In the 2008 International Cup, PNG, captained by Alister Sioni again went through the competition unbeaten, this time defeating New Zealand in a thriller. 2 points up at the final siren, 17-year-old Amua Pirika kicked a goal after the siren. Donald Barry was best on the ground in the Grand Final. Overa Gibson was best and fairest in the 2008 International Cup. 4 Mosquitos were named in the All-International team – Donald Barry, Overa Gibson, Joe Lla and Stanis Susuve.

International competition[]

International Cup[]

Arafura Games[]

1975 squad[]

Veari Maha; S. Mairi; A. Leka; R. Ila; G. Guma; I. Ila; B. Leka; R. Leka (Koboni); B. Tali (Aviat); R. Iga; H. Tokapage; M. Tulungum (Port Moresby); E. Ragi (University); G. Nongkas (Elcom); M. Bai; R. Maisu (Defence Force); P. Waea; A. Tau; B. Kaiae; R. Aup; K. Vala (Lae); L. Au; H. Ofora (Bougainville); P. Amini (Madang); P. Aumi (Rabaul)[11]

1976 squad[]

Veari Maha; Ian MacKinlay; Steven Kakot; Tiana Ila; Martin Tullungun; Gimana Gurna; Ereman Ragi; Vili Maha; Henry Aisapo; Phillip George; Raymond Maisu; Mea Vui; Michael Bai; Gerea Aopi; Mau Au; Pat Amini (Port Moresby); Peiwa Waea; Karo Vala; Barnabas Kaiei; Chris Bais (Lae); Peter Amini (Rabaul)[12]

1977 squad[]

P. Aumi; W. Gare; D. Haro; P. Pati; W. Maha (Port Moresby); R. Aup; P.Waea; C. Bais; Eomelus, K. Vala; C. Daun, (Lae), Y. Maha; B. Haile; G. Laka; A. Colombus; (Goroka); S. Lowa; B. Malagau; S. Akis; M. Tullungan (Rabaul); G. Vegogo; (Madang); B. Matuy; (Wewak);[13]

1978 squad[]

J. Matage (capt); K. Akiro; P. Aumi; A. Ben; D. Haro; J. Kali; M. Tulungan (Moresby); C. Bais; R. Karo; V. Maha; I. Mari; R. Roga; K. Vala (Lae); P. Pati (v-capt); J. Dau; M. Henry; L. Woiwoi (Rabaul); A. Columbus; M. Dono; M. Haro; P. Karo (Goroka); R. Bob; P. Shapen; T. Waluka (Hagen); A. Sodas (Madang)[14]

1979 (Teal Cup) squad[]

lamo Alearu (Boroko); George Ambo (Saints United); Repa Au (Kwikila); Isidore Buetwel (Mongop); Berto Dedei (Kimbe) Katinga Demas (Utu); Robert Edward (Normil); Gamoga Gini (Rigo-ANG); Kana Ila (Koboni); Olo Ila (Koboni Kangas); Roy Kenba (Branch); Heni Kila (Mokele); Pius Kopang (Vunakanau); Kamas Kuian (Sogeri); Mathew Lekani (Hoskins); Tommy Manu (Goroka); Francis Mondo (Vunakanau); Leloi Odana (Tusbab); Vele Rupa (Tusbab); Harison Sale (Namatanai); Ila Tiana (Koboni); Graham Tovili (West United); Tuli Tuli (Boroko); Gerea Vagi (Mokele)[15]

1980 squad[]

Anis Tobata; Steven Kotak; Vali Mavara (Rabaul); Rex Kaupa; Andrew Columbus (Goroka); Peiwa Waea; Kassy Akiro (Lae); Joel Matage; James Logha; Andrew Posai; Gerard Lamis; Vali Leka; William Maha; Daniel Kosikien; Nathan Kaumu; Mau Auk; John Wesley; Paul Sipori; Clement Nakmai; Kila Vuivagi; Peter Aumi (National Capital); Robert Kua; Ando Kwalom; Malcolm Bai[16]

2002 (International Cup) squad[]

2005 (International Cup) squad[]

2008 (International Cup) squad (premiers)[]

Team lining up for the national anthem at a first round match the 2008 International Cup in Melbourne

Rex Leka (Central) (captain); Joe Ila (Central); John James (Gulf); Willy Aisi (Central); Desmond Nalong (Morobe); Augustine Bede (West New Britain); Elija Barowai (Western Highlands); Sylvester Mangoea (West New Britain); Boas Keu (West New Britain); Alois Baleko (West New Britain); David Evertius (Central); Emmaus Wartovo (East New Britain); Zachary Rava (West New Britain); Peter Milaure (Gulf); Desmond Waluka (West New Britain); Jimmy Logha (West New Britain); Stanis Susuve (Gulf); Amua Pirika (Morobe); Alan Kaumu (West New Britain); Mesa Dorogori (Western Province); Johnny Bosko (West New Britain); Overa Gibson (Gulf); Donald Barry (Gulf); Alestar Sioni (West New Britain); Henry Henry (East New Britain); John Vincent (Gulf); Bruce Savara (West New Britain); Raga Raga(Central); Niki Appamumu (West New Britain); Ali Pinda (Chimbu); Emergencies: Peter Labi (Eastern Islands); Emmanual Tupia (West New Britain); Johnny Vogoe (West New Britain); David Meli (West New Britain)[17][18]

2011 (International Cup) squad[]

Theo Gavuri (West New Britain); Gideon Simon (Western Highlands); David Meli (Central); Wingti Pena (Western Highlands); Joe Ila (Central); Jim Logha (West New Britain); Brendon Beno (Bougainville); Fredrick Peni (East New Britain); John James (Gulf); Paul Philip (Chimbu); Larry Nao (Gulf); Lawrie Logo (East New Britain); Alestair Sione (Morobe); Peter Milaura (Gulf); Richard Stegman (Western Highlands); Greg Aki (Western Highlands); Henry Henry (East New Britain); John Vogae (West New Britain; Collins Slim (Gulf); Emmaus Wartovo (East New Britain; Peter Labi (Morobe); Major Alphonse (West New Britain); Stanis Susuve (Gulf); Ali Pinda (Chimbu); Amua Pirika (Central); Emmanuel Tupia (West New Britain); Jeffrey Nemete (West New Britain); Bruce Sovare (West New Britain); Nicholas Apamumu (Kimbe); John Ikupu (East New Britain); Tiernan Carbry (Central); Willy Aisi (Central); Gagu Kayage (Western Province); Alois Melua (West new Britain);[19]

2014 (International Cup) squad (premiers)[]

Peter Labi (North Cairns); Ryan Agita (Broadbeach); Stanis Susuve (Coolangatta); Amua Pirika (Campbelltown); Emmaus Wartovo (Port Moresby Dockers); Gideon Simon (Richmond); John James (Aspley); Jason So'ong (Coolamon); Jeconiah Peni (Campbelltown); Emmanuel Tupia (Port Moresby Dockers); Greg Aki (Coolamon); John Ikupu (West Coburg); Peter Milaura (Gulf Giants); Stanis Agita (Broadbeach); Donald Barry (Coolangatta); Paul Phillip (Gordons Kokofas); Theo Gavuri (Sydney Hills Eagles); Jeffrey Namete (Taurama Suns); Sylvester Mangaea (Port Moresby Dockers); Brendan Beno (Coolangatta); Willie Asi (North Cairns); Michael Macca (Carnington/Linton); Scott Johnson (Carnington/Linton); Chris Mong (Taurama Suns); Wingti Pena (University Tigers); David Topeni (University Tigers); Alphonse Jambafuro (Campbelltown); Laurie Logo (University Tigers); Clydie Pulah (University Tigers); Elliot Takolu (Lae); Freddie Kalandi (Mt Hagen); Tony Meli (Lae); Freeman Keno (Lae); Greg Ekari (Bomana Cats); Kataha Siwee (Bomana Cats); Luke Savere (Bomana Cats); Brendan Gotuno (University Tigers); Ezra Gotuno (Gerehu Magpies); Ori Nilmo (Port Moresby Dockers); David Stegman (Mt. Hagen) Richard Stegman (Mt. Hagen); Sunny Yogomin (Gordons Kokofas); Sam Ila (Gordons Kokofas); David Meli (Port Moresby Dockers)[20]

2017 (International Cup) squad (premiers)[]

John James Lavai (Koboni) (captain); Hewago Paul Oea (Oilmin Kokofas); Hapeo Bobogai (Oilmin Kokofas); Kelly Kaugla (Bomana Cats); Benedict Tirang (West Eagles); Scott Johnson (Salle Dogs); Tyler Goroga (Pt Hedland Tigers); Luke Savere (Defence Hawks); Jeconiah Peni (Montrose); Amua Pirika (Central Bombers); Ryan Agita (Hermit Park Tigers); Emmaus Wartovo (Sandgate Hawks); Matthew King (Montrose); Jason So-ong (Mt Hagen); Brendan Beno (Koboni); Gideon Simon (Trinity Bulldogs); Max Lavai (Koboni); Stannis Agita (Hermit Park Tigers); Jeffrey Namete (Taurama Suns); David Topeni (Koboni); Gregory Ekari (West Eagles); Laurie Logo (Lamana Dockers); Kataha Paulias Siwee (Bomana Cats); Paul Phillip (Koboni); Willie Aisi (Manunda Hawks); John Ikupu (West Coburg); Douglas Gabriel Tuai Lai (Koboni); Alphonse Jambarufo (Koboni); Emmanuel Tupia (Lamana Dockers); Greg Paul Aki (Koboni)[21]

Junior Team[]

PNG's national junior team also competes Under 14, U16 and U18 levels in the Queensland Country Australian Football Championships and more recently, the Queensland State Australian Football Championships.

Women's Team[]

A women's national team began representing Papua New Guinea at the 2017 AFL International Cup.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ It’s PNG by 129 points. PNG Post Courier. 21 Sep 1976 Page 24
  2. ^ It’s PNG by 129 points. PNG Post Courier. 21 Sep 1976 Page 24
  3. ^ Mosquitos launched PNG Post-Courier Fri 3 Sep 1993 Page 20
  4. ^ Rules Side Named. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier2 Oct 1973 Page 20 SPORT
  5. ^ It’s PNG by 129 points. PNG Post Courier. 21 Sep 1976 Page 24
  6. ^ "Full Points Footy 1977 to 1980". Fullpointsfooty.net. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2007.
  7. ^ [1] Archived 6 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ [2] Archived 6 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ [3] Archived 4 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ [4] Archived 26 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ Rules team to tour. Papua New Guinea 1 Aug 1975 Page 46
  12. ^ Rules squad named. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 24 Sep 1976 Page 51
  13. ^ PNG rules side chosen. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 15 Jun 1977 Page 28
  14. ^ 25 - MAN NATIONAL. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 22 Jun 1978 Page 27
  15. ^ Teal side picked. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 31 May 1979 Page 32
  16. ^ PNG need good rucks for Gold Coast. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 19 Jun 1980 Page 30
  17. ^ Short but fast squad named for PNG from World Footy News
  18. ^ Brett Northey. "Mozzies name star studded squad". World Footy News.
  19. ^ IC11 Squad - PNG Mozzies full of young guns from World Footy News
  20. ^ AFL PNG Announces Initial Mosquitoes Squad for 2014 International Cup from World Footy News
  21. ^ IC17 Preview: Papua New Guinea Mosquitos from World Footy News

External links[]

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