It's an unlikely place to launch a bid for Commonwealth Games gold, but the Papua New Guinea rugby sevens team has infiltrated Canberra's rugby ranks to chase itsdreams.
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A dozen of PNG's best rugby players are lining up in the capital's first and second grade competition in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.
It's part of a training program with the ACT Brumbies and a partnership the Super Rugby club is hoping to expand as part of a commercial coaching arrangement which already includes PNG and Japanese team Kubota.
It doubles as a massive boost for the PNG team's hopes of causing an upset in Glasgow and Canberra's clubs are benefiting.
Wing duo Hubert Tsehara and Henry Kalua have impressed so much they are getting their chance to shine in the Uni-Norths Owls first XV side.
They will team up for the Owls against the Gungahlin Eagles on Saturday and Uni-Norths coach Joe Hedger said they had made a positive impact.
The Owls have six PNG players in their ranks.
"They've slotted in quite well despite some distinct cultural differences," Hedger said.
"Rugby itself is its own language and with their talent, they've been able to transition really well. They can definitely play and we've already seen a heap of talent.
"The boys have embraced them straight away. These boys coming down ... it's been great and they've been enjoying it.
"There's a language difference and a different style of rugby compared to what we're developing. It's a massive adjustment with the weather as well.
"But we've also embraced what they've brought and that's a lot of flair, speed and instinctive play. We usually play more structured but we haven't denied them their opportunities to use their strengths and they can turn it on."
The Brumbies are trying to set up coaching networks to share intellectual property with teams who want to come and work with the club.
PNG officials jumped at the chance to link with the two-time Super Rugby champions and hope it will boost their chances of rising into medal contention.
PNG won just one game - a 56-10 thumping of Malaysia - at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, four John I Dent Cup teams are preparing for a brutal four days as they play two games against the same opponents.
Royals will clash with Wests at Phillip Oval on Saturday before backing up on Wednesday night for a return fixture to make up for the round-one washout.
Three-time champions the Tuggeranong Vikings are in the same situation as they prepare to play against winless Easts.
JOHN I DENT CUP
Saturday: Uni-Norths Owls v Gungahlin Eagles at ANU North, 3.05pm; Royals v Wests at Phillip Oval, 3.05pm; Tuggeranong Vikings v Easts at Viking Park, 3.25pm.
