Olam unable to return home

By PARKER TAMBUA
FORMER Mendi Muruk and now Newton Jets back Jackins Olam says he is unable to return home to see his family due to the coronavirus lockdown in most parts of Australia.
Olam, whose younger brother Justin Olam plays at centre for the Melbourne Storm, told The National from Sydney last week that his parents were concerned about their sons’ safety and wanted the pair to be close to them during the pandemic.
He said second-tier competition New South Wales (NSW) Cup, of which the Jets are champions, had been suspended until May 31 with training also called off.
Olam said he was in practising basic hygiene in isolation while hoping for the situation to improve.
“It is disappointing as I was looking forward to my debut season in NSW Cup but the Covid-19 pandemic is a much bigger problem and there’s nothing I can do,” he said.
“I want to go home but due to lockdown I don’t have a choice but to stay here (Sydney) in isolation.
“It’s crazy. My parents, especially my mum, want me and Justin (Olam) to be home but that’s not possible.
“Our family is reminding us about safety every now and then. But I am doing well. Nothing has changed. I just have to look after myself.
“For Justin’s case, I don’t know yet. I called him but his phone is off. I hope he is doing fine.”
Jackins Olam first played for former Port Moresby-based Digicel Cup club Masta Mak Rangers in 2012 before he linked up with Gulf Isapea in 2015 and the Muruks in 2016.
The speedy back said he only played two trial matches for the Jets but was hoping to make his debut at the resumption of the competition.
For Justin Olam, Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy said on the club’s website that players would be allowed to go home and live with their family and the club would provide them with training programme to look after themselves during the suspension of the National Rugby League.