Oii, from nowhere into the Hunters

By JACK AMI
LEARNING his trade on the hard and uncompromising surface of Ipi Park, Hohola, to being part of the country’s national club, the SP PNG Hunters, the rise of Jack Oii has been practically overnight.
The 21-year-old was playing in the Hohola off-season competition this time last year and was a Magani first grader in the Port Moresby Rugby League.
But Hunters coach Michael Marum has an eye for talent and knew who to get when he was forced to let several backs go from his initial 60-man pre-season squad.
Oii came on Marum’s radar after his efforts in helping Magani win their first premiership in 40 years last season.
Oii may not have any Digicel Cup or even Confederation experience but Marum, who has turned talented youngsters into stars (Israel Eliab, Edene Gabbie and Garry Lo come to mind) chose to keep the Kukipi, Gulf man in his 31-man squad sees something in the three-quarter that he will most use this season.
Oii’s involvement in off-season competitions however has ended with Marum instructing the 183cm, 83kg centre to focus on staying injury free and getting fitter, stronger, bigger and better for the Q-Cup.
“I wasn’t expecting to get in after the 60-man squad was already picked but they thought I was good enough so here I am. I am just happy to be here and I’m learning and enjoying the experience.” Oii said.
“This is the biggest thing that has happened to me (making the Hunters) and I’m thankful to the Hunters.”
Oii is the grandson of former Magani great John Mora, who played in the pre-Independence days Papuan Rugby League.
Oii got his chance in senior grade playing under coach Chris Enara at the Tox Mix Dogs in the Hohola off-season league. His only representative touches have come at junior level – Moresby North West U14s (2014) and U18s (2016).
Oii credited his mother Mary, a die-hard Brisbane Broncos fan, for giving him the rugby league bug.
“My mum was a big Broncos fan and watched them on TV all the time so I guess that’s how I was interested in league,” Oii said.
Oii counts former Gulf Isapea wing and Magani flyer Pipi Kilori as an inspiration and someone who he has soght advice from.
Oii said the biggest lesson he had learned from Hunters training so far was to “get the basics right”.
“All these weeks of training and learning the Hunters system has been really good,” he said.
“Our seniors like Adex Wera, Enoch Maki and Stanton Albert have supported us throughout especially when coach Michael has been tough on us.”