Clark keeps a cool head

 By MELTON PAIS
Every rising star has his own tale of when he realises he has the skill, talent and drive to make it in his sport.
For 18-year-old Maya Clark of Pausa village, Wapenamanda, Enga, selection into Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League’s Team Green for the Southern Confederate Zone trials in Kaugere, NCD, could well be that starting point.
The zone trials started on Monday and end tomorrow.
Clark plays perhaps the most difficult position on the field.  As a halfback, he is the side’s general, the man who must think on his feet and come up with the right plays on each set while directing his men and marshalling them where they are needed most.
It’s a challenge but something Clark thrives on.
At the trials, Clark is pitting his skills as a playmaker and organiser against 17 other halfbacks all vying for selection for the Southern Zone side to the national championships later in the year.
His selection into the Team Green did not come easy as he  had to prove his worth against other halfbacks in the competition.
Clark has been instrumental in bringing his Morata Swans team into the top-four of the PSRL.
“I thank PSRL selectors for giving me this chance; it’s the highest level I’ve played,” Clark said.
Team Green coach Morgan Kaiku said: “It wasn’t a mistake putting Maya at halfback because we know he’s up to this level. He will deliver.”