Former Kumul’s visit motivates PNG athletes in Cairns

FORMER Kumul and Canberra Raiders star David Wesley visited the PNG athletics team in Cairns this week and gave a great motivational talk to the athletes.
Wesley was born in East New Britain and his family moved to Cairns when he was eight years old.
Soon after his father died of cancer and he and his two siblings were raised by his mother. He turned to sports to help him with deal with losing his hero and father.
At 18, he was picked up by Canberra Raiders and he played there for seven years, won an NRL grand final and represented PNG at the World Cup (1996) and other internationals and tests. He played for another three years with two other NRL clubs — Parramatta Eels and Northern Eagles.
Wesley played rugby league in the toughest competition in world for 10 years (1993-2002). For him to stay on top was not easy, but through commitment, hard work, healthy eating, sleeping well and taking advice from his coaches and mentors helped sustain a long career as a professional footballer.
He spoke about the negative side of social media and urged athletes to avoid that so their minds are clear and focused.
At the end of his talk, coaches asked the athletes five questions to see who had been listening.
Those who answered correctly received Kumul merchandise and Westley donated a rugby ball to the team.
Camp coordinator Philip Rehder said overall it was a good motivational talk from an experienced sports professional who was passionate about developing young Papua New Guineans.
Westley is currently contracted to Lae Tigers for coaching support and technical training.
He commented favourably on the camp and congratulated the coaches and management for putting it together.