Kange aiming for Cup

By PARKER TAMBUA
DUAL-CODE player Isaw Kange aims to pursue his dream of playing semi-professional rugby league in the Digicel Cup after he attains his university degree.
Third-year student Kange, 22, from Maia village in Pangia Southern Highlands, is pursuing a bachelor in social works at Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang.
Despite his tight schedule with studies, Kange juggles education with not only rugby league but rugby union also.
He plays for Souths Warriors in the DWU Unity Rugby League competition.
In rugby union, he plays for the university team, Ezi Cruisers, in the Madang Rugby Football Union competition.
Kange told The National that it was a challenge to juggle both sports and his studies.
“I know that my priority is my education and I always put that above all other things that I want to do,” he said.
“Along with education, I always have the passion for rugby league and despite my school commitments, I’ve decided to squeeze that into my already tight schedule.
“Unexpectedly, when I did my first year in 2019, I developed an interest to try out rugby union and I’ve since taken part in both sports every weekend.
“On Saturdays, I play rugby league on campus and on Sundays, I play union.
“At first, I had body aches after playing on Saturdays.
“But over time, I got used to it.”
Kange, who plays in the halves, said he would pursue his dream to play in the Digicel Cup after he graduated from university.
“I know some people in offseason teams in Port Moresby,” he said.
“I’m planning to go stay in the city once I graduate.
“So once I’m there, I will try reach out to them and start playing.
“I’ve already got a positive response from some teams, so the city where I want to start.
“It’s a big ask but I have the passion and nothing to lose. I’ll give it a shot.
“Hopefully, I make my way up to the semi-professional level.”
Growing up in his village, Kange played for his local team, Topa Eels, in the Pangia Rugby League.
He started playing at the age of 16 when he was doing Grade 10 at Pangia Secondary School.
He then moved to Port Moresby where he did Grades 11 and 12 at Jubilee Secondary at Hohola.
Kange said although he was interested in joining suburban rugby league teams, he put that on hold as he wanted to focus on completing Grade 12.
Now that he was in the second half of attaining his university degree, Kange said he would commit to the game he loved after that.
Kange gave advice to young rugby league players to prioritise education over sports.
“For mine, rugby league is the greatest game and I know as children, many of us had so much passion for the sport,” he said.
“But in Papua New Guinea, I think it’s wise to focus on education first.
“I am almost close to getting my degree. After that, it really doesn’t matter.
“I can dedicate three years to the sport and if I don’t reach the semi-professional level then it’s still fine.
“At least I have something to fall back on.”