Now-retired Kumul puts family first

**Prop Luke Page taking on the Ireland defence during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.**

NOW-RETIRED Papua New Guinea international and Burleigh skipper Luke Page says he is looking forward to life after rugby league following Sunday’s 16-34 loss to Norths Devils.
The cult hero made his Queensland Intrust Super Cup debut with the Bears in 2014, but he joined Souths Logan as a mid-season signing with the Magpies’ National Rugby League (NRL) affiliate, the Canberra Raiders.

**Papua New Guinea’s Luke Page taking on the Fiji defence during their 2018 Pacific Test Invitational match at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney, Australia. – Getty Images**

Nicknamed DJ Moey Fresh for his affinity with music, Page then switched to the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he made his NRL debut in the Saints’ 12-18 round-17 loss to North Queensland in 2015.
Unfortunately, the prop – known for his durability and no-nonsense approach – played just one first-grade match before he returned, in 2016, to Burleigh where he made 110 more appearances for his beloved Bears.
“I’ve got a few hobbies to try and keep me sane after I retire,” 133-game veteran Page, who welcomed the birth of his son recently, told QRL.com.
“I’ll try do a bit of music.
“I built a car as well.
“I’m working too.
“I do contract work.
“So obviously if I don’t work, I don’t get paid.

**Bears’ Luke Page attempting to take on SP Hunters playmaker Ase Boas in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup. – burleighpic**

“That’s another reason I’m retiring.
“If I get injured, I won’t be able to work and pay my mortgage, so it’s a bit of a smart decision for me.
“We’ll see how it goes. Don’t worry, I’ll still be around.”

**Forward Luke Page in action during the St George Illawarra Dragons’ 12-18 loss to North Queensland in round 17 of the National Rugby League in 2015. – dragonspic**

Asked how the Burleigh faithful would remember him, the former Kumul said: “I think everyone will remember me as just a bloke who runs hard and has a stupid haircut.
“I’m still going to stick around next year and help the club.
“So hopefully the ‘Page’ name leaves on.”
An integral member of PNG’s 2017 World Cup squad, Page will leave a void in the Kumuls’ pack as coach Michael Marum prepares the national team for next year’s rugby league showpiece event in the United Kingdom.