A 25-strong squad had already been announced earlier this month and there were few surprises when coach Jacob Moli reduced those numbers further to unveil his final line-up.
The biggest eyebrow-raiser is the inclusion of James Naka, a star for the national beach soccer side, who underwent a major operation in June but has impressed enough during his comeback for Fijian club Rewa to get the nod from Moli.
In the goalkeeping department the experienced Severino Aefi has been left out in favour of youngster Jimmy Qwaina. The rookie will be making his debut at an international tournament but incumbent Shadrack Ramoni will be on hand to show the ropes to his inexperienced colleague.
Besides Aefi, the other players to have not made the cut are Stanley Waita, Joachim Waroi, Gideon Omokirio and Aleck Wickham.
The latter is yet to recover from a groin injury sustained during the recent friendly matches in Vanuatu while Omokirio has opted out to instead attend a technical beach soccer programme, set to take place in Italy in September during the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
No changes have been made at the attacking end with Abraham Iniga, Benjamin Totori, Ian Paia and Joe Luwi maintaining their relatively safe positions in the squad since the 25-man training group was announced a fortnight ago.
The Bonitos will meet Guam in their opening match of the XIV Pacific Games on Saturday at Riviere Salée in Nouméa.
Solomon Islands squad for Pacific Games
Goalkeepers
Shadrack Ramoni, Koloale
Jimmy Qwaina, Hana
Defenders
Hadisi Aengari, Solomon Warriors
Samson Takayama, Koloale
Tome Faisi, Kossa
Seni Ngava, Kossa
Timothy Joe, Western United
Nelson Sale, Amicale (Vanuatu)
George Suri, Koloale
Midfielders
Henry Fa’arodo, Koloale
Joe Manu, Hana
Mostyn Beui, Koloale
Joses Nawo, Koloale
Jeffery Bule, Koloale
Michael Fifii, Canterbury United (New Zealand)
James Naka, Rewa (Fiji)
Strikers
Joe Luwi, Tafea (Vanuatu)
Abraham Iniga, Marist Fire
Benjamin Totori, Koloale
Ian Paia, Koloale
Team management
Coach: Jacob Moli
Assistant Coach: Rex Masuaku
Team Manager: William Lai
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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