Gene has what it takes to be a coach

I WOULD like to congratulate Stanley Gene for being appointed as Kumuls coach.
Knowing Gene professionally and personally, I am confident he will deliver.
He has, on many occasions, shared the dream of one day coaching the Kumuls and I am glad his dream has come true.
Gene is so passionate and literally eats and sleeps rugby league.
Some of us who have lived or are living in the UK follow super league, especially when our countrymen are involved.
I have come to appreciate the incredible work Gene has done to represent and promote PNG.
His name commands respect in PNG and Britain.
He was recently described as “one of the greatest characters ever to have played rugby league” by Britain’s only league newspaper (Rugby League & League Express, Aug 30).
This month, he will appear in the guest room of Rugby League World magazine, a rare opportunity.
This is only accorded to a few extraordinary names in the game. 
As such, it is no surprise he is a household name in Britain with a huge fan base with his beloved Hull Kingston Rovers.
Many PNG rugby league fans know Gene by name only but have little knowledge about his achievements and contributions.
I take this opportunity to reveal why he is the ideal successor to Adrian Lam.
He has the necessary skills, experience and qualification having played rugby league for more than 18 years, 14 of which as professional player in Australia and England.
He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership in the game which will immensely benefit not only the current Kumuls but also the up and coming players.
With his reputation and commitment, he has successfully managed to get English clubs to sign on Makali Aizue, Jessie Joe Parker, Mark Michael and Larsen Marabe.
Gene did this out of his desire and ambition to promote and help rugby league in PNG, committing his own time and financial resources.
I believe with him at the helm, he can do more for our home-grown talents and create lots of opportunities for them to play competitive rugby league anywhere in the world.
Gene has a level two coaching certificate and was understudying Tony Smith, one of the most successful coaches in Britain, with Super League club Warrington Wolves, captained by Adrian Morely, former Sydney Roosters hard man, who is also the current British Lions captain.
He is also regarded in England as a living legend, having had his testimonial in 2008 in recognition for playing professional and top flight rugby league for more than 10 years in Britain.
He was drafted into the Hall of Fame in 2008, making him the only Papua New Guinean sportsman to have achieved such an accolade.
He is also the only Papua New Guinean to have published an autobiography.
His leadership on and off the field was immeasurable.
Success followed wherever he went, having lifted major trophies with Hull KR, Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants.
Gene is a home-grown talent who rose from humble beginnings to become one of rugby league’s all-time greats.
Having said that, I am confident Gene has the qualities to transform the Kumuls to be world beaters, a team that Papua New Guineans can be proud of.
I must commend John Numapo and Gary Juffa for having the confidence in Gene.

Augustine P. Rapa
Norwich, England