Marabe set for debut

 The 28-year-old featured in the back-row off the bench in Papua New Guinea’s narrow World Cup defeat against France last year, stepping up to start at prop for the roughhouse clash with Samoa.

But he also starred at centre earlier in his career and is not concerned over where boss Dave Woods wants him to play in Sunday’s friendly.

“I will play where the coach picks me to play, and give it a go,” said Marabe, who opted to join Haven after Jessie Joe Parker and Rodney Pora, who had a short spell at the Recre last year, spoke highly of the club.

“Jessie was looked after, so I was really looking forward to coming. I wanted to play in a different country, a different environment, living with different people.”

Marabe hopes to repeat with Haven the success he enjoyed at home in Papua New Guinea.

He skippered Port Moresby Vipers to their first domestic premiership final in 21 years in September last year, after the prestigious match was officially kicked off by PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Marabe went on to earn man-of-the-match honours in the 36-14 win over minor premiers Goroka Lahanis.

“I have some experience of finals, and I’m looking forward to playing in them here,” he smiled.

“It’s my first year here, so I have to get to know the boys, but I’m looking forward to it,” he said, while admitting he was not yet at his peak.

“After the World Cup we had a break and went back to our villages. I’ve done some training but not a lot and have to get fitter. I still have some work to do.”

He returned home to play in World Cup year after a couple of seasons in Australia’s New South Wales Cup, following a stint with Featherstone Rovers.