Albert credits rise to big bother, veteran Hela star

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The National, Friday 4th of July, 2014

 By PETER SEVARA Jr

PAPUA New Guinea Under-19 prop and younger brother of Kumul Wellington Albert, Stanton Albert has said he would not have come this far without advice from brother Wellington and the mentoring of Hela Wigmen prop Joseph Omai.

“Wellington has taught me a lot about discipline on and off the field,” Stanton said. 

“I have seen plenty opportunities open up for me as I continue to follow their advice,” Stanton said. Stanton, pictured, said their gold medal-winning performance was based on trust and confidence.

“We trusted ourselves to win the final. There was no doubt among us. We played our best,” Stanton added.

The former Mendi High School student spent a year with the Hela Wigmen running under the tutelage of former Mendi Muruks legend Omai.

“I thank my parents for their support. The same support they have given to Wellington has been given to me and I am thankful for that. I’d also like to thank my colleagues at Hela wigmen especially Joseph Omai who took me under his wing and gave me insight into the game of rugby league.”

“I remember as a kid, me and wellington would follow the big boys and carry their boots to rugby league competitions and that inspired in us the love for the sport. 

“We didn’t expect to come this far but we love the game,”

“I am young man and I see a lot of opportunities ahead of me. I still have a long to go way to go and I am training hard and committing myself to rugby league.” 

Wellington after last year’s stint with the Kumuls created excitement in the rugby league circles with his size and was quickly picked up by the PNG Hunters and not long after was signed by the Penrith Panthers.

There is a year difference between the both young stars, Wellington, 20 and Stanton, 19 with Wellington based in Penrith with and Stanton followed in the footsteps of big brother in the Hunters side. 

Both are forging careers in the sport which rest assured their father, Albert Yaro and clan in Mendi would be proud of.