The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Australian Football League (AFL) Commission has confirmed the final lists for both the senior men’s and women’s national teams for the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup coming up next month in Australia.
AFL PNG Senior Football Operations Manager, Mr. Rex Leka said the two teams are now going through the training program, preparing for the Pacific Cup from the 18th to the 24th of November at the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane.
“The two teams are ready with 28 players each, which will including two boys and two girls based in Australia to join the team when they reach Australia,” Mr. Leka said.
Five countries will be participating in the Pacific Cup; PNG, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, and Tonga. Australia will not be participating in the competition.
Mr. Leka further explained that in the men’s competition, all five countries will be participating. While in the women’s competition, only four countries will participate; PNG, New Zealand, Nauru and Tonga.
The senior national teams, the Flames and Mozzies, will leave PNG on the 16th of November for Australia.
Meantime, the AFL PNG junior national teams, the girls Kurakums and the boys Binatangs teams, will also participate in the Pacific Cup in the under- 17 competition. AFL PNG Talent Academy already announced the under- 17 final team list.
Mr. Leka also mentioned that there won’t be any friendly matches played by the senior national teams, as the teams will just head straight into the games right after the under- 17 competition.