World Footy News

Young PNG star Amua Pirika was one of the breakthroughs for international Australian football, when future AFL club the Gold Coast recruited him in early 2009, see IC08 hero signed by Gold Coast FC. Unfortunately in the tight battle for spots on that young talent laden team Pirika has been squeezed out of the 2010 squad, along with many fine Australian prospects while GC pick up more elite players from around the country.

Fortunately Pirika will have opportunities at Brisbane this year. AFLPNG's Scott Reid explained that "after discussion with the Lions and Mt Gravatt and based on assesments by Gold Coast and Geelong, Amua needs close intensive coaching in a strong footy environment. On that basis after consulting with David Lake at Mt Gravatt he will play and live with David or one of his team, to play under his guidance and like Peter Labi and Donald Barry (both now on official AFL international scholarships) get to play several games with the Lions Reserves and hopefully be ready for the next step to the AFL in 2011 when he will still only be turning 20".

So although Pirika's dream has in one sense moved a step further away, the above assessment is still pretty positive and AFLPNG and Queensland footy will continue to invest in him. The chance is still there for Pirika to grab it.