Commitment pays off for Oii

By ISAAC LIRI
AROUND this time last year, Jack Oii would travel 27km every day from Tubusereia to Port Moresby and back to train with the Magani club in the Port Moresby Rugby League competition.
Like all young rugby league players coming up, he too had a dream to be a member of the SP PNG Hunters and the 22-year-old will be ticking that box when he runs out in the Hunters colours on Saturday at the Bishop Park, Brisbane, against the Norths Devils.
Oii from Kukipi, Gulf, will be coming off the bench as a utility back in coach Michael Marum’s lineup as Hunter No.79 along with his comrade Jerry Teme (No.78), who will be coming off the bench as a half.
“I was picked for a reason, and I am here for a reason and I am ready,” the soft-spoken but determined Oii said after being named to make his debut.
“I have pictured myself playing for the Hunters and that dream is coming true,” Oii said.
“At first I thought I couldn’t make it. I thought I wasn’t ready and that I would play in the Digicel Cup this year but here I am.
“I think the call to be a Hunter was a blessing because the hard work I put into training last year was tough going through a lot of ups and downs but now I feel that all that hard work has paid off.
“One of my major challenges last year was that I was living in the village and I had to travel to the city to train and play.
“I lived in Tubusereia and most times I arrive home late around 9pm or 10pm so that was one of my biggest challenges I faced last year.
“I take rugby league very seriously because it gave me an option after my parents didn’t have enough money to put me through school and complete my Grade 10 and this is a blessing from God,” Oii said.
“While I was playing at the lower grades I saw the Hunters as an opportunity to learn a lot and now that I am part of the Hunters I have learned about being disciplined, being committed to a cause and working hard.
“I am privileged to be playing under coach Michael Marum and the management and the senior players have been really good to us new players in giving us guidance.
“Since round one started I felt the pressure while watching my teammates play because I know its tough out there and I thought that I should be out there with them so now with this opportunity I am willing to give 110 per cent.
“I know all my family will be there to see me wear the Hunters jersey for the first time but I’m dedicating my debut to my brother who passed some time ago.”