Netball
BY SIMON KESLEP

One of Papua New Guinea Pepes talent Jeperth Tulapi is on a mission to gain more experience and enhance her skills in Australia.
Tulapi will be playing for the Bond University Golden South Jaguars in the Open division two for six months on the Gold Coast under the Golden South Netball region of Australia.
The 19-year-old said she is thankful for the opportunity given to play in the competition in Australia.
She made her debut for the Sparrows before joining the Mermaids and now she is over the clouds after being given such an opportunity to represent the club.
“The level of competition is really high and it will take me to the next level to better my skills and development in netball,” Tulapi said.
“I am thankful to the club (Snax Mermaids) and sponsorship from Lae Biscuit Company.”
She reiterated Mermaids club has been at the forefront of looking at development pathways for young players.
“Our premier league age limit like 18-25 years and half of the team (Mermaids) is dominated by young girls which is really good,” she said.
She is pleased and happy with the opportunity the Mermaids club has given her to go and play in one of the competitions in Australia.
Mermaids has given Tulapi another opportunity to further her skills, especially as a Pepes representative and how she can contribute not only to her club but also at the national level.
“The opportunity being given will also rub off on the national team and this opportunity will be a boost in preparation for the World Netball Qualifiers,” Tulapi said.
She added the pathway introduced by Mermaids for its players in playing for Australian-based teams will also be a boost for other local girls.
Tulapi said it will also be a boost for the local girls because with the partnership Mermaids has struck the local girls will play their hearts out and be scouted for trial match with clubs in Australia.
The competition that Tulapi will be taking part in will be for six months.
She thanked Mermaids netball club president Pole Kassman, coach Richanda Kassman, the executives and players for their efforts in preparing her for the trials.