Little man with loads of talent

 By JACK AMI

FOR new Papua New Guinea Hunters debutant Gahuna Sailas this is the moment of truth in his rugby league career – the 2016 Intrust Super Cup season.

Not many get this chance and it was through sheer determination, dedication and discipline that the dimunitive 20-year-old managed to make the cut.

“This is an exciting year for me and I’m so grateful to Michael Marum for having confidence in me,” Sailas said.

“I’m looking forward to the season in the Q-Cup. I know it’s a big step up but with other great players around me like Noel Zeming and Wartovo Puara Jr, settling in has been easier.

“Playing for the Hunters is my priority, but like any other player,  I would like to one day play for the country,” Sailas said.

From mix parentage of Morobe and Motu Koita (Baruni), Sailas has played for Magani (2013-14), Royals (2015) and in the Digicel Cup for the Gulf Isapea before being picked for the Hunters trials.

“Through the support of my parents, relatives, Magani, Royals and Gulf Isapea, Southern Confederate management and my supporters contributing one way or the other, I salute you all for helping me come this far.”

Dubbed the “Pocket Rocket” because of his height at 167cm, Sailas hits well above his weight, fearelssly taking on the bigger men on attack or defence despite his small stature.

The hooker/utility is adept at finding holes in defences and exploiting them, as well as backing up in support as he did against the Penrith Panthers in the Hunters only trial match two weeks ago.

He scored a try and set one up – it was all down to Sailas’ determination and great instinct as a footballer.

As a schoolboy, Sailas first represented the country in 2012 and continued to make rep sides, culminating in 2014 when he captained the national Under-20 side that won the gold medal at the inaugural Commonwealth Games Nines tournament, beating Australia 28-8 in the final.

Stanton Albert and Warren Glare were part of that side.

Last year, Sailas represented a PNGRFL side at the Cabramatta Nines in Sydney. 

The team won all its pool fixtures but lost to Niue in the cup semi-final.

During the 2015 Pacific Games, he was named in Team PNG as one of two Digicel players in a Hunters-dominated side which won the gold medal.

In the local Port Moresby Rugby League competition, he played for Royals winning the minor premiership and premiership last year.

“Winning two gold medals (Commonwealth Games and Pacific Games) are my two biggest achievements so far,” Sailas said.