Dabaris proud of strong representation in national squads

Three of its pathway system selected in the Junior Orchids squad along with trainer Gure Gau *(Image: Dabaris)*

Central Dabaris chief executive officer Hubert Warupi says the franchise is proud of its growing presence at the national level following multiple player and staff selections across upcoming representative fixtures.

Lucy Kodana, Linda Daure, and Brigit Movoa earned selection into the PNG Junior Orchids squad for the Prime Minister’s XIII curtain-raiser at the Santos National Football Stadium this Saturday.

Dabaris pathway product and National Youth Competition Player of the Year, Gibson Karani, also secured a spot in the Junior Kumuls side set to face the Australian Schoolboys.

"We are very proud. As a franchise, to have players and staff selected for higher representation means we are doing something right," Warupi told NBC News.

"These players have been selected on merit and for their consistency in performance on the field.

"They back that up with off-field discipline and attitude, which as a franchise we pride ourselves on in maintaining a good balance across these value systems."

A recent junior tournament staged by Dabaris in Kwikila, Rigo (Image: Supplied)

Fresh off their Santos Women's Cup title, Dabaris premiership-winning coach Cathy Neap has been handed the reins to guide the senior PNG Prime Minister's XIII women's side against Australia.

Neap will be joined on the national stage by four of her core championship stars: dynamic forwards Jafinda Sapp and Josephine Haword, standout fullback Mala Mark, and versatile utility Sherinda Philip.

"This is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, commitment, and talent within our women’s program, and a reflection of the strong pathway being built at Central Dabaris," the club said on its social media page.

"From the training paddock to the national stage, our girls continue to raise the Dabaris flag with pride."

The club's influence behind the scenes is equally formidable. High-performance Strength and Conditioning coach Gure Gau has been appointed to oversee the Junior Orchids, following the footsteps of Victor Efi [Physio] and Frank Rarua [Trainer], who were key support staff for the Junior Kumuls in 2024.

With national representative honours now checked off, Warupi is already casting his eyes towards the world stage, naming star winger Naomi Kelly as an unmissable contender for the senior PNG Orchids at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.