Olam impresses Bai

KUMULS and Storm legend Marcus Bai says he is impressed with Melbourne centre Justin Olam’s progress since linking up with the National Rugby League (NRL) club in 2017.
The 48-year-old told Storm TV during last weekend’s Magic Round at Brisbane Suncorp Stadium that he was thrilled that Olam had made a name for himself with the reigning premiers.
“There are a number of guys (Papua New Guineans) who are in the NRL,” the former winger said.
“But to be able to see Olam make it through the (SP) Hunters in the (Queensland) Intrust Super Cup and reach the Storm is a proud moment.
“It took him two years (to hold down a spot in the Storm squad) but now he’s there.
“He knows that he has got a lot of support from the eight million people of Papua New Guinea.”
Bai said a lot of children wanted to be like Olam and make a name for themselves in the world’s toughest rugby league competition.
“Olam is a great story by us, from the village,” he said.
“To come all the way from Chimbu, he made his own way down to Lae and then to Port Moresby.
“In 2016, he had his chance (with the Hunters) and Melbourne picked him up.
“And winning the grand final last year.”
Asked about Olam’s physicality, Bai said: “For every boy growing up in PNG, it’s not about skills, it’s about how tough you can play.
“In PNG, when you run hard, that’s all that counts. If you don’t run and get put on your backside, everyone will give it to you.
“Olam came from the village.
Like myself, it was a different upbringing.
“The toughness and aggression is there, all you have to do is trigger it.”