Jet Pora still a Guria at heart

 AGMARK Gurias will miss the services of captain and workaholic prop Rodney Pora who is now with Newtown Jets in Sydney, Australia.

Pora and Kumul teammate Benjamin John flew out this week to begin the new season with the Jets.

Pora after arriving in Sydney yesterday contacted former coach Michael Marum to thank him and the Agmark Group including his teammates for the support he had while with Gurias for the past three years.

“Words cannot express but I thank you all for the years I have been with them. 

“I feel I have left part of me there (Gurias) but it has been a dream to play overseas and I will give my best shot while I am there,” Pora said.

“If I happen to come back, I’ll still play for Gurias because my heart is with them and I wish them well for this season,” he said. 

Marum, who said he was happy for the big Western Highlander, admitted that his departure had left a “huge gap” in the frontrow department but it would also create an opportunity for upcoming players. 

Meanwhile, the PNG National Rugby League board has been urged to quickly name the intercity cup’s major sponsor as franchises prepare to call in their players for training camp.

Marum said this yesterday when talking about the Gurias’ preparations.

With the NGIP Agmark 9s cup into its third week, Marum hoped that his players on holiday returned in time to take part in the 9s competition as well as getting ready for Gurais’ games.

“Players have been calling me to come in but we can’t call them in because we still don’t know if the inter-city cup has a major sponsor or not. 

“We will have to wait and find out before we can bring in our players,” the former champion coach said.

Fox confirmed earlier in the week that a major sponsor was in place but needed time to make its official announcement.

The season is scheduled to begin on May 8 with all club franchises to settled all requirements before the Feb 18 deadline.