Patuki Warriors show love for rugby sevens

Patuki Warriors coach Bob Wilson having a pep talk with his team *(Image: NBC Owned)*

From running under the shades of Oil Palm trees to running on a world class pitch of the Santos National Football Stadium, it is a lifetime experience for a Patuki Warrior player.

All the way from Hoskins in the West New Britain Province, the Patuki Warriors left the comforts of their village and journeyed to Port Moresby to participate in this year's Sports Tok Rugby 7s tournament.

Raising funds from their own pockets with additional support from their families and the wider West New Britain community, the Bob Wilson coached side are humbled to be part of the tournament and to rub shoulders with other talents on show in the three-day tournament.

"Coming here to Port Moresby, we got very little support, but we are happy to be here with each player paying for his own ticket," Wilson said.

Comprised of village boys, they were challenged to stay connected with sports, train hard and earn a ticket to the nation's capital to showcase their rural talents.

"Majority of the boys are from the village (Galilo) and many of them are Grade 10 and 12 school leavers."

"I encouraged them if they want to get on a plane, then they must play rugby," Wilson said.

The Patuki Warriors are not first timers in the Sports Tok 7s, making their debut in 2022, their second appearance in 2023, took part again in 2024, missing out last year in (2025) and making a return this year.