Numambo making strides

Goroka native eyes NRL, Kumul debut

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea-born Steven Numambo is surely making his presence known in his debut season for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Hostplus Cup.
The former Canberra Raiders junior from Ifiufa village in Goroka and Gena in Chimbu has scored four tries in his seven appearances and is setting his goal on promotion into the Dolphins’ National Rugby League squad.
Numambo told The National that he was yet to reach his full potential and despite a solid performance in the last seven games, there was room for improvement week-in week-out.
“I have only signed with the Dolphins Hostplus cup side at the moment. Hopefully if I play good this year , I can get a train and trial or something out of it,” Numambo said.
“I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential yet. I am still trying to get used to the different competition (Queensland Cup) up here but the goal is to improve my performance every week.”
The 23-year-old played for Raiders in the Jersey Flegg and New South Wales Cup before transferring to the Queensland competition. Numambo believes that coming to Redcliffe was a good choice that made him a better player.
“I believe so, I had a tough preseason to start the year off. It also gives me an insight to how other coaches train and their perspective on the game which can be good for me as it helps me to see the game from their point of view,” he said.
The winger featured for Dolphins in the round six match against the PNG SP Hunters in Port Moresby last month.
Numambo played a critical role in the Dolphins’ 39-20 win as he scored a try and set up two more.
“Coming back home (PNG) and facing the Hunters was unreal. It was my first time playing against my countrymen and to also have my family there on the sideline and back in the village watching live on TV was crazy.
“Some (relatives) I haven’t seen in a couple years or so and seeing them on the sideline supporting the way they did was once in a lifetime, hopefully more to come,” he said.
Numambo said playing for Kumuls and getting an opportunity with an NRL side has been his dream all along.
“The goal’s always been the same since I started playing – play NRL and represent my country and I’m just grateful that I am in the position to chase my goals,” he said.