Gabbie keen to keep momentum going

By JOE GURINA
THE aspirations of wearing a Kumul jumper is swiftly unfolding for 23-year old Edene Gabbie of Koiari, Central.
The prospect would be in the frame after an impressive debut season in the Q-Cup for the SP PNG Hunters.
Having scored 10 tries in 15 appearances is a statement in the making for this young fellow from the Manamiro hamlet, Sogeri plateau.
He joins a group of other Koiari men who have played for the Hunters over the years including the Abavu brothers Josiah (2014), Bland (2015-2017), Adam Korave (2014-2016) and late Kato Otio (2015)
For Gabbie, it’s a realisation that has unfolded on his path to make it in the Hunters squad, an achievement that is greatly appreciated by his father Gabbie Namari, mother Airi Umui, (Gabbie is the eldest in the family of four), and the people of Koiari and the Koiari Rugby League, the birth place of his career in rugby league.
Gabbie’s interaction with the sport started as an eight year-old at Sogeri primary school.
The athletic Gabbie was always tagged to excel at some sport but chose his vocation early when he told his dad he had other ambitions after graduating from Grade 10 at Kwikila Secondary School in 2012.
Father Namari recalls, “I told him to continue with his education but he told me bluntly that he wanted to concentrate on his rugby league career and told me to focus on his younger brothers and sisters andtheir education.”
This was Edene’s strength of mind. And so the journey on his career unfolded when he got himself involved in the Koiari Rugby League competition playing for his home team Sirinumu Pukpuks in 2013. His speed and try-scoring ability in the local competition was evident and he became something of a cult hero.
His dream of being a Kumul began to gain momentum he saw Josiah Abavu succeed at the top level. He would hang around with Abavu — a fullback — seeking advice from him and take on the tips to become a better player.
Those encouragements and advice from Josty (Abavu) influenced Gabbie’s performance.
He was recruited by the than Gulf Isapea in 2015 and played three games on the wing position under coach Bobby Ako.
However he did not maintain that position throughout the rest of the season.
Despite that, Gabbie did not let his hopes fade. He continued his career with the Port Moresby Rugby League competition playing for the Dobo Warriors club, which is supplied talent by the Koiari rugby league.
Gabbie impressed at the Southern Confederation trials playing for the Koiari Nagavas last year.
His attacking flair and quickness caught the attention of director Gwaibo Mairi and officials who earmarked the young man as someone to watch out for.
And sure enough the prospect was picked by scouts and offered an opportunity with Michael Marum’s Hunters train-on squad for the 2018 pre-season. Asked about the chances of making it to the Kumul squad, Gabbie said: “It all depends on my performance. It’s all about the perseverance, commitment, sacrifice I am making with every game I take in the Q-Cup. If my performances are good enough then that will be dream accomplished.”
Abavu says he is proud to see Gabbie making it in the Hunters squad and commends his entertaining style of play.