Dobbin joins Lions FC

By PATRICIA KEAMO
PAPUA New Guinea Kapul and Gulf Komara forward Troy Dobbin has signed for Queensland Premier League Club Lions FC following his recent international appearances.
Dobbin, 22, attached to Premier League Club Gulf Komara, left for Brisbane on Friday and has joined his new club’s camp.
Kapuls head coach Warren Moon told The National yesterday that Dobbin was in the Lions camp and awaiting clearance to play.
“He’s already training with his new team and has impressed the new coach already on the sessions he’s done,” Moon said.
“He’s a player of real talent with potential to get even better in the right environment.”
His local club, Komara who announced his departure for Brisbane on their Facebook page, commended Dobbin for his commitment to the club as well as the national team.
“His dedication, commitment and loyalty have earned him a spot in the PNG Kapuls team and this overseas contract,” the club said.
“We (Komara) are proud of this young man and are happy to have contributed to assist him achieve his football dream.”
According to the club, Dobbin was one of the junior players drafted in 2019 when he was 17 but had left the club for a few seasons due to his study commitment and just returned to Komara last season.
Gulf Komara chairman David Aua told this paper last night that Dobbin’s contract with the Lions was arranged by Kapuls head coach Warren Moon.
“Troy’s engagement was arranged through the national Coach for the 2024 Qld NPL season. If he does well they can keep him on,” said Aua.
“We are overwhelmed and happy for Troy. Very proud off his achievement and we’re all in full support off his move to the Lions.
“We (Komara) are all about providing pathways and opportunities for our players to excel not only in football but life in general,” said the former PNG representative.
Aua said after joining Komara in 2019, Dobbin did not complete the season because he chose to concentrate on his studies.
“I brough him back to the team last season (in 2023) and he blossomed,” Aua added.
“I am so proud off him and Komara is proud to have assisted this young man achieve his dreams in football.”
The youngster made his debut for the U23 national team in last year’s OFC Olympic Qualifiers before being selected in the PNG Kapuls squad for the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands. Following that, Dobbin was part of Moon’s squad that competed in the Fifa Series in Sri Lanka where the Kapuls played against the hosts and the Central African Republic, drawing 0-0 against Sri Lanka and losing by 4-0 to the African side where Dobbin played in both games for Papua New Guinea.
Earlier this year, another Kapuls star Alwin Komolong signed with the Lions for this season and now Dobbin joins the side who currently sit third in the table of the NPL Queensland.