Barbarians win first leg of Super 7s in Goroka

By MICHAEL PHILIP
BARBARIANS are the 2024 Kumul Petroleum Holdings (KPHL) Super 7s first leg champions after defeating Goroka Kilituas 19-7 on Sunday at the National Sports Institute in Goroka.
Fielded with experienced campaigners in the likes of Papua New Guinea Pukpuks Kennedy Benjamin, Shaun Ongapa, Kunak Late, Audrey Elias and Paul Batari, the Barbarians slid through the tournament snatching out the first leg title with a K10,000 cash prize.
Head coach Mhusty Goena told The National that despite the win, they would go back to the paddock, work hard in training, to prepare for the second leg in Madang.
“It was a tough first leg tourney up here in Goroka because everybody was eyeing the tournament,” he said.
“For us to get the win, it’s exciting and big credit goes to the boys. Few boys in the team are international representatives, while the rest are local boys. We just got them onboard to give them the exposure.
“We didn’t go for a smooth ride to get the win, we had to lose a few games and we had to regroup and come back stronger to enter the finals.
“They’ve (players) done a great job. We will be preparing again for the second leg in Madang and we’re hoping that the same boys will be available for the second leg.”
Goena said the inclusion of two Pukpuks development squad members, Audrey Elias and Paul Batari, had a great impact on the team given their speed.
“It’s really good to see young talents like Audrey and Paul playing at this level of rugby and performing to standard,” the coach added after Sunday’s final.
“They’re following the footsteps of the big boys and we’re just here to guide them achieve their best in the game.”
Elias bagged two tries while Benjamin registered one to help his side claim the first leg title in Eastern Highlands. He also took out the player of the tournament award following an impressive outing over the weekend.