Orchid Aiton: Brother Paul is my idol in rugby league

PAPUA New Guinea Orchids hooker Therese Aiton says her brother Paul Aiton remains her rugby league idol despite the former Kumuls rake retiring from the sport.
On Fulltime Reserve last week, Aiton told PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka that wearing the PNG jersey and representing the country meant a lot to her.
“I grew up having Paul as my rugby league idol,” said the 31-year-old, who plays for the Souths Logan Magpies in the BHP Premiership – Queensland’s premier women’s competition.
“I am just proud to follow the same path.
“To do it for my family and to wear the PNG jersey is just amazing.
“I’ve always loved rugby league.
“I’ve been playing open women’s rugby league in Queensland since I was 16.”
Aiton said she had learned about discipline, passion and courage from Paul, played for NRL clubs Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks before English Super League stints with Wakefield, Leeds and Catalans.
“I saw all these qualities growing up with my brother,” she said.
“Now I am walking in that path and I am showcasing where I come from and the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.”
Meanwhile, Aiton — who plays alongside Orchids skipper Elsie Albert at Souths Logan — said PNG women should thrive in rugby league as the sport was now offering a lot of opportunities unlike in the past.