Wartovo Puara Jr


Wartovo Puara Jr is a Papua New Guinean professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Sepik Pride Rugby League Football Club in the PNGNRL. He previously played for the Barrow Raiders in the Championship. He has represented the Papua New Guinean national team, most notably at the 2017 World Cup.

Early life

Puara was born in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, and played his junior rugby league for the Kokopo Muruks.Most of his childhood career played in local competition under RMX Dogs team from Raim Village.

Playing career

Puara joined the PNG Hunters in 2014 for their inaugural season in the Queensland Cup. He trained with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a six week trial contract during the 2015 pre-season. Puara represented PNG in rugby league nines at the 2015 Pacific Games, scoring 2 tries in the grand final and being named Player of the Tournament.
In 2019 Puara signed for the Barrow Raiders he enjoyed a great first season and was tipped by Barrie McDermott as one of 6 potential championship players that could play in super league. His form earned him a place in the PNG international side that took on Great Britain and won. In 2020 Puara signed a two-year contract extension with the Raiders.
CapDateVenueOpponentCompetitionTGFGPoints
119 October 2014Lae Oval, Lae1004
22 May 2015Robina Stadium, Gold Coast0000
37 May 2016Parramatta Stadium, Sydney0000
46 May 2017Leichhardt Oval, Sydney1004
528 October 2017PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby2017 World Cup0000