Enforcer Korave is back

The National Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
FORMER Papua New Guinea Hunters lock Adam Korave says he is humbled to be back with the club he was a part of in its debut season.
The foundation Hunter, who left the club at the end of 2016 after three seasons for a stint in the Ipswich rugby league competition, finds himself as one of the club’s most experienced campaigners.
With the departure of experienced forwards in David Loko, Esau Siune, Wellington Albert, Stanton Albert and Henry Wan, the Koiari native will be looked on to resume the ‘enforcer’ role he played from 2014 to 2016.
Korave acknowledged coach Michael Marum and the Hunters management for giving him a second chance.
“I feel really humbled to be back with the Hunters and I am grateful they gave me a second chance,” Korave said.
“After missing out last year when the boys went on to win the premiership, I was really happy but I also wished I was part of that too,” the 28-year old said.
“Last year I was more focused on my employment but I did play some footy down in Australia but not at the high level like the Queensland Cup but I managed to keep myself fit and now I am back.”
Korave said he was relishing being part of a team that had a huge task in front them in 2018 which was to defend the Intrust Super Cup title.
“We’ve got some good young forwards coming through like McKenzie Yei, Muka Peter Kulu and Moses Meninga so I am confident we can build a strong foundation up front,” the 95kg lock said.
“With my experience and being here before as a co-captain, I think I can help the boys out, give them some direction,” he added.
Coach Marum was having an aggressive and physical forward in the pack ticked off one box and provided his side a variety of characters that would add to the team’s dynamic.
He added that Korave’s key attributes was his experience not just in the Q-Cup but also as a former Kumul.
Marum said every pack needed leaders and in Korave they had a ready-made one.
“Adam’s been in the Hunters system so he knows what is expected and I think he is more than capable of handling himself and being a leader in a team that will need it heading into a tough season,” Marum said.