Wartovo Puara Jr

Wartovo Puara Jr (born 24 June 1990) 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.

+ International caps Cap Date Venue Opponent Competition T G FG Points 19 October 2014 Lae Oval, Lae 2 May 2015 Robina Stadium, Gold Coast 7 May 2016 Parramatta Stadium, Sydney 6 May 2017 Leichhardt Oval, Sydney 28 October 2017 PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby 2017 World Cup