Ephraim in frame for greater things

Sports
Kimbe Cutters prop Johnny Ephraim Jr (right) and Rabaul Gurias winger Ilias Stanley after their trial match in the West New Britain capital last year.
– Picture courtesy of ROBIN LONGBUT

By MICHAEL PHILIP
FORMER national rugby union representative Johnny Ephraim Jr will again be seen on the field in the Southern Super League which kicks off in Port Moresby today.
Ephraim, who represented the Papua New Guinea Pukpuks during a World Rugby tournament, the Cup of Nations, in Hong Kong in 2016, switched to rugby league in 2018 and was initially recruited by Rabaul Gurias in 2019.

Johnny Ephraim Jr in action for Fassifern Bombers in Queensland, Australia, in 2017. – harstantphotography

He moved to Kimbe the following season to play for the Cutters but only managed a few games before an ankle injury restricted his 2020 appearances.
The 27-year-old’s goal of pursuing an education brought him to Port Moresby, allowing him to link up with Central Dabaris.
“My education is more important than rugby league,” he said.
“That’s why I ended up here in Port Moresby to do my studies and graduate then I can commit more to training,” he said.
While attending college, Ephraim joined Gabutu Dragons in the suburb league at Kaugere and was scouted by Moresby South Blacks to play in the Super League.

Johnny Ephraim Jr in Rabaul Gurias colours in 2019. – tohnunupilesa

Ephraim admitted that his selection into the Southern Blacks squad was a surprise but he was grateful and he would use the opportunity to continue developing his skills and gaining experience in rugby league.
The East New Briton said he wanted to do well in rugby league and test himself in the country’s most popular game.
The prop is certainly one of the biggest men on the field, standing at around 190cm and weighing more than 110kg.
Cementing a starting spot in a Digicel Cup side and making the SP Hunters remain his goals at present.
Ephraim is studying for a diploma in networking at IEA College of Tafe in Port Moresby and is looking forward to graduating at the end of the year.
He encouraged young men who were into rugby league to balance sports and education to at least have something to fall back on after they completed playing.
Ephraim also urged them to put God first.
He thanked his supporters and acknowledged those who had helped him.
“I want to thank Sallyanne Mokis, it’s because of her that I’m here doing my studies and playing rugby league.
“I’d also like to thank the management of Gabutu Dragons. They saw the potential in me and gave me a chance to play rugby league.”