Olam: No new deal yet

By PARKER TAMBUA
JUSTIN Olam says his existing two-year Melbourne deal ends at the end of the NRL season with the Kumuls centre clarifying that he has yet to sign a new contract.
In an interview with PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka on Fulltime Reserve last week, the 26-year-old brushed aside an Australian media report on a new deal for the former Lae Tiger.
“I didn’t sign anything,” said Olam, who has so far scored seven tries in 19 appearances for the Craig Bellamy-coached 2017 premiers.
“It’s only words. We’re still in discussions (over a new contract).
“The media have got it all twisted.”
Melbourne had initially signed Olam under a rookie contract for 2017 and 2018 in which he played for feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons.
He made his debut against the St George Illawarra Dragons in round nine of 2018 and played three matches in that year.
After impressing at the Falcons, Melbourne extended the former SP Hunters winger’s contract for another two seasons (2019-2020).
Meanwhile, the Chimbu native said it had been a challenge to maintain his fitness while the season was on hold amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With the lockdown, it has been tough not having clarity on the resumption of the season,” Olam said.
“It has been hard to train on your own and keep in shape but I have my big brother helping me so I really don’t feel like I’m alone. I’m now looking forward to the resumption of the season on May 28.”