Duo primed

KUMUL bookends Rodney Pora and Makali Aizue know they have a big job getting PNG’s  engineroom revved up in the Four Nations but the veteran pair would not have it any other way.
Both have been named as expected in Stanley Gene’s 24-man Kumul squad for the upcoming tournament this month.
Much, however, will depend on PNG’s forwards holding their own against the Australian pack on Oct 24 but in team vice-captain Pora, 29, and Aizue, 32, the team will have their best front two opening proceedings.
Forward leader Pora was unfazed by the prospect of mixing it with any of his Four Nations opposing packs saying he looked forward to it.
“Its normal for us. When we get onto the field we’ll be ready to put our bodies on the line for PNG,” Pora said.
“I know our pack will give their best, we always do, no matter what.”
Pora, a Kumul under three different coaches since making his debut in 2004, is determined to lead from the front and, with Aizue, forms an effective combination with the 106kg Western Highlander happy to be the workhorse gaining the metres while Aizue at a compact 100kg and a shorter frame plays enforcer.
Aizue, for his part was all smiles and offered little on his approach to the opposition, but the well-muscled Bundi native can be relied on to play aggressively and will not be intimidated by Australia’s size.
Known to British Super League fans as a hardhitting forward, Aizue spent the last seven years at Hull Kingston Rovers developing a reputation as a fearsome defender before moving to Halifax last year. The two props have ample back up in the mobile Nixon Kolo, prop-cum-backrower George Moni and hardrunning Joseph Pombo both of whom impressed against the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII last month.
Kolo, in particulr, caught the eye with a two-try burst coming off the bench showing rare hole-running ability and anticipation.
The other frontrow option is evergreen Rangers forward Johnson Kuike who, although a small-sized prop, performed consistently in the bemobile Cup this season.
Meanwhile, vice-captain Pora commended the atmosphere in the camp saying the leadership role entrusted to him had given him more resolve to look out for his teammates while helping the side  gel as a unit.
“The feeling in camp is good. Its relaxed but still strict. The team is being taken through some very tough sessions by trainer Bill (Mullinson) and that is setting us up for when we travel down to Ipswich (Queensland) next week,” Pora said.
“We’ll be ready to give our best when the four Nations start.”