Family farewell Appo

PNG Hunters forward Kevin Appo’s family in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, celebrated his 22nd birthday earlier this month as they farewelled him as he continues with the club that will be based in Australia for the 2021 season.
The Appo family at Seigu village on the eastern fringe of Goroka town gathered at Kevin’s father Jackson Appo’s residence and farewelled him and cut his birthday cake.
Jackson Appo, a former Highlands Zone forward and local rugby league administrator, said his son had to shelve his final year of science studies at the University of PNG (UPNG) to concentrate on his football.
“This is a big decision my family made to see Kevin play with the PNG Hunters fulltime with the goal to make it into the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England,” Appo Snr said.
“The decision is based on his current form with the Port Moresby Vipers and PNG Hunters.”
Jackson said his son would return to UPNG to complete his studies at a later date but the goal was to make the Kumuls squad.
Family members that gathered to farewell Kevin Appo were his tribesmen from Seigu, Faniufa and Kami tribes in Goroka town.
Kevin’s cousin and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis captain Gonzella Urakusie, his first senior coach Peter Warlock (of the Louisa Brothers in Goroka Rugby League) and uncle Bob Urakusie delivered speeches at the farewell.
The messages for young Appo was to be dedicated, committed, humble, respectful and disciplined both on and off the field.
Kevin thanked his family for the farewell and birthday party and assured them that he would do his best for the family, Goroka and the Eastern Highlands and his country.
“From experience with Vipers and PNG Hunters, it is not that easy to get into the Kumuls team, but I will do my best,” he said.
Kevin acknowledged those who had helped him to reach the representative level in Ronnie Titie (manager Vipers and PNG Kumul team manager) and PNG Kumul coach Michael Marum.
Appo, a promising rising rugby league star, is an impact player making up the PNG Hunters forward pack, he will be with the team based on the Gold Coast in Queensland.