Matapere Cousins Set Sights on U16 AFL Pacific Tourney

Billy and Nama Matapere cousin brothers are among the eight selected AFL PNG U16 players who will be participating in the upcoming AFL Pacific tournament from March 19-24 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Hailing from Hula in the Abau District of Central Province, the cousins picked up an interest in AFL when they were small, following in the footsteps of their family.  

Billy has traveled overseas previously and taken part five times in the junior tournament while the Nama will make his second appearance for the U16 side. 

Both cousins have been scouted from St Theresa Primary School through the Niukick AFL School Competition in Port Moresby. 

Speaking on behalf of the Matapere cousins, Billy said the preparation and team bonding had been good, and they are looking forward to the tournament. 

“Training has been good. We’ve built a good team combination in the last few weeks to prepare ourselves and give our best in the tournament,” Billy said.

“We will be competing against some of the best players, but we are confident and ready for the challenge.”

Coincidentally, the Mataperes are the biggest fans of the Brisbane Lions. They will have an opportunity to play against the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns Academies, which is a dream come true for the cousins. 

The AFL PNG U16 girls will depart the country next Monday (February 17th), while the boys will leave for Australia in March.