Johnston: I am proud

By JACK AMI
SOUTH Sydney’s Alex Johnston says it will be a proud moment when he runs out in Papua New Guinea colours for the first time when they face Fiji next Saturday.
Coach Michael Marum’s Kumuls face the Batis in round two of the Oceania Cup in at Orangetheory Stadium in New Zealand.
Johnston said at the National Football Stadium yesterday afternoon that he had finally put his hand up to represent PNG after injuries had prevented him from accepting a number of call-ups over the years.
“I’m proud to get to play for the Kumuls,” said Johnston, whose mum is from Aitape, West Sepik.
“I wanted to play in the last World Cup (2017) but I tore my hamstring. And last year, I tore my other one. I wanted to play but injuries had set me back.
“But finally, I get my chance this year and I’m excited to be part of a great group of boys.
“I’m making sure I get my body right. It’s good to be back training.
“They (Fiji) may have more NRL players but the boys here are great players who play with their hearts on their sleeves. So we are going to go there, run hard, tackle hard, drill through the middle and get the ball out to our backs to finish off.”
Johnston said he wasn’t sure which position Marum would slot him in but he is preferred to hold down the No.1 jersey ahead of Wynnum Manly fullback Edene Gebbe.
“If my body is alright, I might play fullback but happy wherever he wants me to play — even on the wing — I’ll be happy,” he said.
“I have one more season with the Rabbitohs. This is my first time here and Rhyse Martin has been good since the start of the camp. I enjoyed my flight here and the boys have been really good since I got here.”