Lahanis recruit Ahong from remote league

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Goroka Lahanis have recruited teenager Franky Ahong from a remote rugby league competition in Kamusi, Western, to boost their 2021 Digicel Cup campaign.
Lahanis team manager Benji Filele told The National yesterday that the 18-year-old, whose father and mother are from Malaysia and Middle Fly respectively, had a lot of potential.
“He is tall, fast and athletic,” he said.
“We went that far to scout Ahong because we saw potential in him.
“We identified him through Port Moresby Rugby Football League official David Silovo.
“Franchise owner Simon Sia is also of Malaysian heritage, so he (Ahong) fits in well with the team.
“He is only 18 years old.
“The way I see it, he ticks all the boxes for the SP Hunters or can even play in a professional competition overseas.
“However, it all comes back to how he performs on the field and his commitment to training.”
Filele said the Lahanis were willing to develop such young players in a bid to win their first Digicel Cup title since 2018. “We are keen to develop our new recruits,” he said.
“Most of our players who have been with us for the last three years have joined other clubs, including the Hunters.
“For Ahong, we are looking at the bigger picture.”
The Lahanis manager said they would try to develop and retain Ahong for at least the next three seasons.