MENS OPEN TEAM ANNOUNCED

Brisbane, QLD October 23, 2016–
“We are looking at regaining the QPICC Title after having lost it to the Maoris in the final last year. With that in mind we believe we have a strong team that will be able to do just that. We have whittled down our squad to the team we have named today.”

“The selection process was incredibly difficult given so many of our young Kokomos players have now developed to the point that they are challenging our more experienced players for the limited number of positions in the team. It is a nice problem to have as a coach,” said Elias Paiyo, Head Coach & Selector, QLD PNG Rugby League.

The QLD Pacific Island Cultural Carnival (QPICC) is a three day rugby league carnival celebrating the cultural heritage of QLD based Pacific Islanders. This year will see the Moaris return to defend their 2015 title, against Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tokelau and PNG. Added to the lineup this year will be an Indigenous Australian team.

QPICC kicks off on Friday afternoon, 28th October, at Bill Norris Oval, Boundary Rd, Beenleigh, Queensland, Australia. It runs all day Saturday and concludes with the Mens Open Final on Sunday afternoon.
As well as the Mens Open championship title, there are under 14s, under 16 and under 18 championships up for grabs. Included for the first time this year, is the Women’s title.
If you want to keep up with the QPICC action live follow the QLD PNG Rugby League Incorporated facebook page.

2016 QLD PNG KOKOMOS MENS OPEN TEAM:
Steve Franciscus, Mark Matthies, Sebastian Pandia, Shaun Wickham, Cameron Boga, Eli Wickham, Lj Waddups, Daniel Russell, Chris Aiton, Francis Han, Philip Anthon Komboi, Bradley English, Robbie Fletcher, Harry Lohia, Michael Dodi, Sioeli Filianga, Jonathan Ilau, Richard Tengdui, Bill Manuhu, Kepo Samuels, Emmaus Wartovo, Alex Ambia, Joe Frank Seeto, Keiran English, Hosaia Wartovo.

The annual QPICC Carnival will commence on Fri, 28th October, 2016 through to Sun, 30th October, 2016. It features Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Heritage such as Maori’s, Cook Islanders, Samoans and Tongans and Papua New Guineans.

The QLD PNG Kokomo Mens Team won the QPICC Title in 2014 and were Runners-up to the Maori’s in 2015. The Kokomos will be looking to regain the QPICC Title in 2016!

The Carnival also hosts 18s, 16s and 14s age group mens teams. The full program will be posted here as details come to hand.

Make sure you head down to Bill Norris Oval, Boundary Rd, Beenleigh to catch all the action!