Bellamy praises Olam

The National Sports

MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy says his centre Justin Olam should be considered among the National Rugby League’s best.
And that’s in stark contrast to the opinion the 61-year-old held only a couple of years ago when he figured the Papua New Guinea international would never even make it as a first grader.
The former Lae Tiger and SP Hunter was electric in Melbourne’s 36-24 finals win over Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Olam ran for 116m and had four tackle busts, a try assist, two line-break assists, an offload and a line-break.
He hits hard in defence and is just as tough to stop when running the ball, and will be key to the Storm’s run to the grand final in a fortnight’s time.
Bellamy didn’t need much prompting to heap praise on his tough-as-nails centre.
But he admitted it wasn’t long ago that Olam’s career didn’t look like taking off at all.
“Justin, I think he’s been with us three years,” Bellamy said.
“The first 12 or 18 months, I don’t think anyone saw NRL in Justin.
“But all of a sudden, what he learned and the hard work he put in to bring those things into his game… he flourished really quickly.
“It looked like it was going to take ages, or wasn’t going to happen to be quite honest.
“Then all of a sudden it all clicked because he just kept his head down and worked really hard. From what I’ve seen, and I haven’t seen all the games, but he’s probably going as good as most centres in the game at the moment.
“He’s unique with his abilities.
“He’s got that stocky frame and he’s strong, nothing scares him.
“He would run into a brick wall or jump off a cliff if he had to.
“But that’s what we really like about having him in our team.” – Fox Sports

7 comments

  • Em mangi SImbu ya stone het. Doing PNG proud. To get a rare review from one of the greatest coaches of NRL is a testament in itself on the commitments that the nuggety Simbu lad has put into his NRL career. Something only a few PNG exports have achieved in the likes of Bai, Kovae & Emil…. Well done Angra!

  • Top performer and he is still improving. His best is yet to come. He is doing PNG proud . NRL has been underestimating PNG players for so long according to storm coach- Bellamy’s Statement. Justine is now proving them wrong and exposing PNGs rare potential; putting PNG on Spotlight. Obviously, it is mainly from OLam’s personal hard work and determination for PNG at heart. Well done Justine .Special mention also to Alex Johnston of Rabbitohs and Oaths of Brisbane Broncos who are now setting fire at NRL right now…all three (3) PNG players are now outstanding NRL stars … they are unlocking PNGs potential,,,

  • Congratulations and well done Justin Olam!

    You are making us so proud as PNGeans!

    I believe more is yet to come in your career, as the trail is already set ablaze in your career path.

    Sky is the only limit to what you can continue to achieve and as you clearly imprinted on your right-hand wristband…You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you – Phil 4:13.

    God bless you!

  • Congratulations Justin Olam..The bible verse (Phil 4:13) on your hand summarizes everything..You can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthen you..Your future looks promising..

  • Keep going Olam. We are enjoying your every game. You make PNG proud. We look forward to your grand final game.

  • When God starts something he will surely finish it and nothing can stop it, Ph 4: 13 is working. Go JO.

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