Alu dedicates season to family

By PARKER TAMBUA
ILA Alu says he will dedicate the SP Hunters’ upcoming Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) campaign to his family as the forward prepares to relocate to Australia for the season.
The 25-year-old has been named in coach Matthew Church’s final 29-man squad for what will be his fourth-straight season with the 2017 champions.
The Rabaul Guria said his mum had inspired him since he started playing rugby league as a child.
“I want to dedicate all my successes to her and the rest of my family,” the 169cm, 91kg lock said. “My mum is a sportsperson too, so she and the rest of my family have always been supportive of me.
“They have inspired me to always work hard, a trait which has helped me become a regular player at the Hunters.
“But it is always a challenge to retain your spot at the Hunters.
“I’m not getting any younger and there will always be upcoming players competing with me for a spot in the pack.
“But I’m just excited to make the final cut and be part of the Hunters in the upcoming season.
“I want to play well for my family and make them proud.”
Meanwhile, the Chimbu and Central native said team bonding was crucial to their campaign.
Alu said the squad had connected well over the past two months of pre-season training leading up to the Hunters’ eighth season in Australia’s second-tier rugby league competition.
“The pre-season has been awesome,” he said.
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company at training and in camp which is a positive sign ahead of a gruelling season.”