Olam a shining example

JUSTIN Olam has carved a new chapter in his professional career from a humble beginning to the National Rugby League.
His story has caught the attention of all Papua New Guineans.
Although, Olam has a long way to go, his attitude and discipline on and off the field is exemplary.
The Melbourne Storm coach and players have spoken highly of Olam’s attitude and the passion he shows on training and game day.
I do not know Olam but I am proud that he is doing his family, tribe, province and PNG proud.
I commend those local clubs, Lae Snax Tigers and the PNG Hunters to expose his talent and helped in his development to fulfil his NRL dream.
Olam has set the precedent against all odds, despite the intense competition for spots in the Melbourne Storm club.
Who would have thought a local PNG boy would rightfully claim the No. 4 jersey at a prestigious club such as Melbourne Storm.
His style of running, passing and tackling has got sports commentators, saying he has added new dynamics to the centre position at NRL.
Those of us who watched his development have been amazed with his development as a professional player.
His style of running has changed, since leaving PNG Hunters.
He has developed passing skills such as flick passes and body twisting passes that resulted in tries for the Storms.
He rarely miss tackles but hits his opponents with such ferocity that sometimes jolted their bodies backwards.
His confidence is growing, and pretty soon, I hope he will add short kicking to his attacking arsenal, to become a complete PNG made NRL centre.
As to the current younger PNG Hunters and Digicel Cup players, they still have the opportunity to emulate Justin Olam.
He has shown that success does not come easy for a raw talent from PNG – through discipline and staying committed to training – will eventually pay off one day.
The next talent to go through the same pathway to NRL is Edene Gabby.
Gabby has taken the Intrust Super Cup by storm in his 2018 debut season.
Since joining Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 2019, he has developed his game to another level.
South Sydney have signed him for two years from next year and it will be interesting to watch his transformation.
Gabby has shown discipline on and off the field, which are key attributes of a professional athlete.
Let’s hope he too will soon break into the NRL level with flying colours.
Olam and Gabby have signed NRL contracts – after going through Digicel or Southern Confederate Cup – then to the Hunters programmes. It demonstrates that PNG has the potential to provide a dozen of NRL talent.
If Olam and Gabby can do it, surely those in the Digicel Cup and Hunters can follow their path.
Kumuls great Stanley Gene once said PNG Hunters players need to take note of what coaches ask of them and be able to read and understand their tasks as school homework lessons.
To hear that from a professional sporting legend, shows that PNG players have to develop their mindset to be able to grasp instructions and apply that on the training and game day.
PNG players have to take advantage of playing at the Qld Intrust Super Cup and work hard to expose their talent on an international stage, which NRL and Super League clubs monitor for recruitment.

Hunters Tok Stret