Hunter Appo weighing up his future

By PEDDYSON MOINGA and JELILAH KUM
SP Hunter Keven Appo has a big decision to make on his education and rugby league career following confirmation that coach Matthew Church’s men will relocate to Australia for next season.
With the intention of resuming his third year in 2021, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) student – who is majoring in biology – withdrew from studies earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But little did he know that a decision would be made later in the year for the Hunters to relocate to Queensland to compete in the Intrust Super Cup (ISC) for the 2021 season.
Now the 21-year-old has to decide between his education and rugby league career, both of which he is so passionate about.
He is from Seigu, Eastern Highlands, and Dinga, Chimbu.
The forward is the fifth of six siblings and is the son of Eastern Highlands disease control officer Jackson Appo.
“I was juggling my studies and Hunters duties well until the pandemic struck and things got complicated,” Keven said.
The Port Moresby Viper completed his first semester but withdrew from the second.
“I had planned to continue my studies next year,” Appo said.
“But now (after the decision to relocate the Hunters), I’ll have to sit down with my parents and discuss my future.
“Being a student and a footballer is not new to me.
“It started earlier as a childhood thing during primary and secondary school.
“I grew up playing the game because my father was a rugby player.”
Appo grew up in Goroka where he attended East Goroka Primary and Goroka Secondary, and joined the schools’ rugby league teams.
In 2017, the then 17-year-old caught the eye of Highlands Confederate selectors as a Grade 12 student while playing in the local schoolboys’ competition.
Appo’s agility and passion saw him captain the Highlands Under-18 team that went to Lae.
“I grew up in the land of the Goroka Lahanis and dreamt of playing for them one day but it didn’t work out,” he said.

“I joined the Lahanis train-on squad but I also secured a spot to study science foundation at UPNG.
“I chose to pursue my education and came to Port Moresby.”
Before he left for Port Moresby, Appo’s local club Lovisa Brothers presented him a No.11 jersey.
“I still have the jersey,” he said.
The Vipers caught wind of Keven’s abilities and offered him a starting spot in their pack.
A few consistent performances later, he got selected into the Hunters squad and made his ISC debut against the Easts Tigers.
“I usually carry my study materials with me when I travel for away games,” Appo said.
“I also do my homework and assignments while residing with the Hunters squad at East Boroko.
“I’m with the Vipers now and I don’t regret it, they are like my family who I can always count on.
“I give my best for them when I’m on the field.”
Appo’s advice to young players is to maintain discipline and manage their time wisely.