Debutant Robert eager to pull on Hunters jersey again

By PARKER TAMBUA
JEFFERY Robert says he is eager to build on his SP Hunters debut following his first appearance for the club in Sunday’s 18-25 loss to the Bears at Pizzey Park.
A late inclusion to coach Matthew Church’s game-day 17, the 21-year-old came off the bench in the 62nd minute and played seven minutes of the round-five Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) clash on the Gold Coast.
The forward, from Masuma village in Unggai, Eastern Highlands, told The National after the game that his dream came true when he wore the Hunters jersey for the first time.
“I wasn’t expecting to debut today (Sunday),” the Hela Wigman said.
“The coach only called me in the morning, telling me that I was going to make my debut against the Bears.
“I was humbled by his confidence in me to represent my country and make my family proud.
“It has been a long journey for me in such a short space of time in rugby league.
“From the offseason late in 2019 to my Digicel Cup debut last year and then wearing the Hunters jersey this year, it has been a memorable ride for me so far.
“I knew that it was going to take a while to make my Hunters debut and my patience had paid off.
“You can be part of the extended squad, but to be registered as a Hunter is different feeling altogether.”
Although he had limited time off the bench, the Hunter No.94 thanked Church for giving him the opportunity to make his club debut.
“The game was fast and on a different level compared with our inter-city competition back home,” he said.
“But I was expecting it after watching our matches from the sidelines over the last four weeks.
“The ISC forwards are bigger and faster, but our pack can handle them.
“In attack, I try to run as hard as I can and keep my legs pumping.
“In defence, I try to go up in their face and hit them hard.”