Kuna eyes Cowboys, Kumuls dream

By PARKER TAMBUA
ANDERSON Kuna is making strides at Intrust Super Cup club Northern Pride with the 17-year-old hoping to make National Rugby League outfit North Queensland Cowboys and the Papua New Guinea Kumuls.
From Kerepali in Pangia, Southern Highlands, the Grade 12 student is training with the Cairns-based club’s Under-20 side who compete in the Hastings Deering Colts — Queensland’s premier junior competition.
The 110kg lock, who is 189cm tall, was a standout in the Prides’ U18 team last year.
Kuna told The National yesterday from Cairns that he was contracted to the U20 side for the next three years.
Despite facing challenges in rugby league, he said it was his childhood dream to play for the Cowboys and that joining their feeder club would increase his chances of making it happen.
“My goal is to make it to the NRL especially the Cowboys,” Kuna said.
“I would love to represent my country which would be my highest honour.
“I’ve had my fair share of injuries but I have recovered and I’m doing great at the moment.
“My immediate goal now is to make the Pride’s Intrust Super Cup side and have a crack at the NRL.”
Kuna, who moved to Australia when he was 15 years old, said his role model in PNG was former Hela Wigmen and Mendi Muruks forward Oliver Kerry. “I idolise him because of his big hit-ups,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to play like him and I think I’m on the right path.”
The Southern Highlander said his family, who are based in Mendi, was supportive of his rugby league aspirations.