Disability no barrier for Tembi

 By MELTON PAIS

SPORT has no regard for a man’s physical traits. 

This is the creed which drives Southern Highlander Mako Tembi to follow his dream of playing rugby league.

The 20-year-old from Ialibu, who sustained a permanent right hand injury when he was four, plays rugby league like other young men his age due to his passion for the game.

As a result of his injury, Tembi’s right arm is shorter than his left (arm). 

But that has not been a deterrent for him.

Tembi manages to hold the ball and tackles well enough on the field to be part of the Paga Panthers Under-20 side in the Port Moresby Rugby League competition.

Tembi plays second-row in the side coached by former Kumul Richard Wagambie.

“I started playing rugby while attending St Paul’s Primary School, Gerehu, in 2010 and I’m coping with the rugby systems and rules,” Tembi said.

“I joined the Panthers’ U19 team last year and this is my second year with the club.” He said he was not the only person with a disability actively involved in sports as there were many other people in other codes who were playing for the love of their sports. 

On Saturday, Tembi’s team defeated last year’s U19 champions Black Swans International 8-4 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Tembi, who aims to be an ambassador in rugby league in the persons with disabilities category, is a second-year electrical student at Badili Vocational Centre. 

“I like playing rugby like most young men but when it comes to my studies, I consider that seriously,” he said.