Komboi set for return

By PARKER TAMBUA
PHILIP Komboi, son of former Kumul Paul Komboi, is set to make his return to rugby league after being away from the game since 2019.
The 24-year-old prop, who had a stint with the Ipswich Jets in 2017, is part of the Port Moresby Vipers squad which is preparing for the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
He told The National after the Vipers trial win over Hela Wigmen on Sunday that he quit rugby league in 2019 after he lost his mother.
“I played with the Ipswich Jets while I was in Brisbane studying at the University of Queensland,” he said.
“I was in Australia from 2014 up until 2019 when my mum died and I returned back to the country.
“But while I was studying at the university I used to come home for breaks and whenever I come back I used to play few games with the Vipers.
“When my mom died I decided to quit playing. I couldn’t go out there and play because I am used to hearing my mom cheering for me on the stands.
“And after she was gone I played a few Vipers trials in 2019 but the feeling was different. It reminded me of my mum who used to cheer for me on and for me to not getting that support anymore really affected me.
“So I thought I should rest in respect for mom.
“In 2019 and 2020 I used to sit on the stands and cheer the Vipers.
“It’s been two years now after mom’s passing and I think I have recovered so I decided to return to the Vipers this year.”
On his return Komboi played in a number of Vipers’ trial matches. Last week he had a great game against the Wigmen at Sir John Guise Stadium.
Komboi was physical in defence and carried the ball well which contributed in Vipers dominating the Hela pack and eventually winning the match 12-4.
He said aiming to make the SP Hunters and the national side (Kumuls) to the Rugby League World Cup in England at the end of the year were motivating factors for him.

“My dad was a Kumul before and as a son I have my goal to also make the Kumuls team.
“The World Cup is around the corner and definitely one of my short term goals is to make that team.
“I am also looking at the SP Hunters so hopefully I give my best this season in the Digicel Cup and my performances can speak for itself later on.”
Komboi said Kumuls coach Michael Marum had also advised him few years back to aim for a spot in the national team.
“Back in 2017 while I was with the Ipswich Jets, Marum selected the Kumuls squad that played Cook Islands in the annual mid-year test in Sydney.
“Marum named my teammate and countryman Richard Pandia for the test match.
“He (Marum) also included me as a development player in that squad for the one-off test.
“He use to emphasise on me to aim high.
“So yeah, it will take a lot of effort to make a national side and I want to take on that challenge.”
Meanwhile, Komboi said he had faith in the current Vipers team and about its prospects in 2021.
“I have confidence in this team and the coaching staff,” he said.
“Last season we were depending so much on all our big name players and the young players didn’t really take on responsibility.
“This year the Hunters players have gone and there is a good mix of rookies with experienced players that are still in the team.
“The bonding is good, every player seems to have self-belief and they are starting to pay their roles. I cannot wait to play alongside them,” he said.