Leme to pursue aspirations in Perth

By MELTON PAIS
HALFBACK Benton Leme will be missed by his City Redbacks teammates after leaving for Australia to pursue his dream.
Leme, who starred in the NCD Governors Christmas Cup, the Bang-36 Super 9s tournament and the Ipatas Cup’s Southern leg flew to Perth, Australia, last Wednesday to continue his education but the 22-year-old said he was hoping to play rugby league there.
Leme told The National that his aim was to win the gold pass for the Redbacks before leaving for Australia but his side were beaten 30-6 by the Toks Mix Dogs in the final at Kone Tigers Oval a week ago.
The Hela Wigman halfback said that he would miss his teammates but he was excited about playing rugby league in Australia.
Leme, from Tsaka valley in Wapenamanda, Enga, started playing as a 16-year-old and sees his stay in Western Australia as the next stage in his development as a footballer after four years playing in the senior ranks in Port Moresby.
He said his personal goal as a sportsman was to be discipline and be the best in his position, as well as achieving his education goals.
“I would like to represent my country one day, and also play in the National Rugby League in Australia,” Leme said.
“I also want to be a professional footballer and a role model.
In 2013, Leme and close friend Steward Nomi formed the City Redbacks because of a shared interest in the sport, as well as the ideals they aspired to.
“We started the team for young players who were not only serious about playing sport but also life in general and being a positive example for others in the community.”