TOUCH Federation Papua New Guinea has named its three open division squad ahead of the 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup tournament in Sydney, Australia.

This followed shortly after a selected train-on squad attended a four-day training camp in Port Moresby.

Players went through two days of testing and screening sessions with the PNG Sports Foundation’s High performance team at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.

The last two days were scheduled for intense field sessions at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

The players were assessed individually during the four-day camp in both sessions with their final scores as a determined factor for selections.

A handful of the players met the required standard expected during High Performance training whilst some players did not fully execute what was expected of them during field sessions.

Additionally, Australian based players under the Queensland Paia Association also went through similar sessions and video footage was taken to fully assess the players.

Thorough assessments and ratings of each player was carried out and every player being named in the final squad will now represent PNG in the upcoming FIT (Federation of International Touch) sanctioned tournament.

Those selected will now guarantee their passports are ready and levy fees met.

Meanwhile those who have missed out on the selections will have another opportunity to prove themselves at this year’s National Touch Championships ahead of future FIT tournaments.

The 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup is set to run from April 23-26 and will be hosted by Touch Football Australia at the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex, Mudgee, New South Wales.

PNG Open Mens: Andrew Turlom, Lennon Arua, Joel Gura, David Arua, Sam Hoki, Freddy Gelam, Jason Akama, Vali Daniel, Manuel Abraham, Macky Haro, Joe Angom, Nama Alu, Jessie Manasseh, Valentine Kaprangi.

PNG Open Womens: Mangai Elomi, Angela Geno, Linster Matamon, Aida Alu, Marie Hoki, Jasmine Arua, Jemimah Hetora, Monica Teite, Kenisha Beeps, Vasnie Nakandaul, Ciara Hill, Dallas Hill.

PNG Open Mix: James Maim, Ravu Ravu, Shane Johannes, Darius Yung, Dakoda Yung, Javahn Poa, Joby Oiki, Cida Steven, John Kairi, Sophia Artang, Christine Ovia, Elizabeth Ari, Malia Ruri, Kaia Skeen.