Kaupa survives, makes cut

By JACK AMI
FOR 20-year-old Rex Kaupa Jr being named in the SP PNG Hunters final squad for the Intrust Super Cup came as a surprise.
Kaupa was among a group of several rising talents which includes Jack Oii, Jerry Teme, Epel Kapinias, Jordan Pat and Nick Hasu to break into the limelight.
Kaupa did not hesitate to thank Hunters coach Michael Marum for his tough training sessions and helping develop his talent.
“I was really surprised to make the bigger squad first and then to just make the final squad is unbelievable.
“I owe it to coach Michael Marum for having confidence in me,” Kaupa said.
“I know Michael is a tough coach but he’s also down to earth and is the kind of coach that has principles to make you a better player and I’m grateful for that.”
Kaupa said Marum’s disciplinary style was forcing players to be serious and be consistent in everything they did and in the process making them more professional.
“I came in for the off-season training camp from the Southern Confederation rank wasn’t really expecting to make the final squad but thank God I have made it,” he said.
Kaupa, who has Chimbu and Central heritage, said he was excited and proud of making the 2019 squad but would not be carried away with expectations and would focus on getting better at training and whenever he got a chance to play.
“I have learned a lot from the training and systems at the Hunters and even though it’s been very hard I know it’ll all be worth it,” he said.
“You know like my other teammates say it’s all about hard work and sacrifices that we have undergone that to reach this stage.
Kaupa admitted that the training had been very taxing and he had come close to giving up at times but senior players like Adex Wera had encouraged him to keep at it and be strong.
“In camp it’s a big family unit, we eat, live and sleep together and we’re close, it’s incredible” Kaupa Jr said.
“There’s a lot of positives in the camp and makes me and the other youngsters feel at home.
Kaupa said just being in the Hunters would change a player for the best and the proof was in the fact that many players had been picked up by other clubs.
The young forward, who plays in the back row, stands at 175cm and tips the scale at 86kg.
Father Rex Kaupa Senior represented the Highlands Zone and played basketball in his heyday so Junior has some pedigree.