Journalist, sports icon farewelled

by DULCIE OREKE
FAMILY and friends of  journalist and rugby league player Jack Metta bid him farewell at his funeral in Port Moresby on Friday.
Metta, 57, from Savaiviri village, Gulf, was raised in Lae’s Papuan Compound.
Many who knew him well said he was a great person.
His eldest son, Jackson Metta, described his father as a very caring man who helped his fa­mily and friends whenever there
was a need.
Metta was born in Lae. He began his schooling at the Bumneng and Milfordhaven primary schools. He then attended Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland, Australia, where he attained his junior school certificate.
From 1972 to 1973, he attended Sogeri senior high school.
He then left for New Zealand, to attend the Wellington Polytechnic where he did a year’s journalism course, graduating with a Commonwealth certificate
of journalism.
On his return to PNG, he joined the National Broadcasting Commission, Niugini Nius, PNG Rugby football league, The National, Post-Courier, rugby league franchise Gulf Isapeas and before his death, the Mineral Resources Development Company as its public relations officer.
Metta was laid to rest in Savaiviri on Saturday.
He is survived by wife Rignald, seven children and 10 grandchildren.