Aussie-based Paia ready to unleash young talent at PNG Touch Nationals

Javahn Poa competing in the open men's division during the 2023 National Touch Championships in Popondetta, Oro *(Image: Supplied)*

Brisbane-based Queensland Paia Touch Association is set to unleash its fresh talent at the upcoming Papua New Guinea National Touch Championships in Port Moresby.

The contingent arrives on Tuesday with three teams competing across the open men’s, open women’s, and mixed divisions.

"Preparations have been going very well," the association told NBC News. "We have a very young team travelling this time around, likely one of the youngest squads competing throughout the week."

The four-day tournament kicks off Thursday at the Bisini Football Oval and runs through Sunday.

Hayden Wong taking on his opponents in the 2023 NTC at Popondetta *(Image: Supplied)*

Fourteen-year-olds Frankie Tau and Ruben Diou are among the youngest members of the contingent, both named in the open men’s division. Felicia Walker, 16, and Isla Hill, 15, will feature across the open women’s and mixed divisions.

"The majority of our squad is under 25, which we see as a great opportunity to give our younger players valuable experience at this level in our home country," executives said.

The youth Paias will be guided by seasoned campaign leaders Shajuate Aila and Aydhen Herd, who represented PNG at the 2019 World Cup in Malaysia.

Dallas Hill, Hayden Wong, and Brandon Wong, who featured at the 2024 World Cup in England, add further top-tier experience to the men's and women's squads.

Edward and Azaraia Aila are amongst the youngsters set to test the PNG waters *(Image: Supplied)*

Senior player Gemma Walker, another 2019 World Cup veteran, takes on a dual role as player and open men's coach.

Young prospects Javahn Poa, Lahui Tau, Edward Aila, and Azaraia Aila are expected to add attacking flair to the men's and mixed sides.

"We’re really excited to see what this group can achieve against some of the best players and associations in the country," the association said.

"We understand that the competition will be fast, physical, and challenging, but our players have been working hard to ensure we can match the intensity of the PNG competition, particularly in the heat."

Paia enters the event expecting stern resistance from domestic associations, all vying for national title honors and national selectors' attention.

Senior women's player Gemma Walker in action *(Image: Supplied)*

"Our expectation… is to face strong competition, as each association will be bringing talented and determined players… all fighting for a spot in the World Cup team," the association said. "We expect the games to be competitive, physical, and challenging, allowing us to test our skills, discipline, and teamwork."

Having featured in the previous national championships in Popondetta, Oro Province, Paia is one of 13 associations taking the field across the three main divisions.

"With such a young squad, we also want to provide our players with valuable experience… and hopefully push for World Cup positions," the association said.

"We aim to improve throughout the tournament, build confidence as a team, and apply the skills and preparation we have worked on leading into Nationals.

"Most importantly, we want to compete hard in every game, maintain a positive team culture, and give ourselves the best opportunity to achieve strong results."