Kumul debutants raring to face Fiji

By MELTON PAIS
RHADLEY Brawa and Junior Rau’s dream’s of wearing the red, black and gold became a reality when the pair were named in the PNG Kumuls side for Saturday’s Pacific test against Fiji.
The 28-year-old Brawa, who join ed the Hunters programme in 2016 and 24-year-old Rau, who join the Hunters this year, earned their spots with impressive seasons.
Rau, whose career looked in ruins after the Digicel Cup side he captained was banned for attacking referee Aaron Henry in the 2016 preliminary final.
Rau bore the brunt of criticism in the aftermath and was even banned for a year but successfully appealed and was back playing the following year. Standing at 175cm and weighing around 86kg, the Western Highlander may not be the biggest package but packs quite a punch.
“I will make every second count against Fiji,” Rau said before flying to Sydney with the team yesterday.
“It’s been a dream of mine to be a Kumul,” the AFL convert said.
“I am ready to tick that box. This will be the highlight of the sports career.” For pocket dynamo, Brawa (170cm, 86kg) being outsized by practically every opposition does not faze him.
He admitted Fiji had a great side but the Chimbu man remained upbeat about PNG’s chances.
“So long as we’re united, we will lift for our fans, the flag and each other,” Brawa said.