Paul determined to snatch Digicel Cup title

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen centre Gilmo Paul says he is determined to win the Digicel Cup title when the 2019 runners-up face reigning champions Lae Tigers in the grand final at Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday.
The former Mendi Muruk said he had fallen short of his goals on a number of occasion throughout his rugby league career.
“I was in the 2018 and 2019 SP Hunters train-on squads but fell short of making the cut,” said the 23-year-old, who hails from Wass village in Karinz, Mendi, Southern Highlands.
“Last year, I was part of the Wigmen and we were on the verge of claiming the title but fell short to the Tigers.
“This year is a grand final rematch.
“We reach the final through three difficult games while the Tigers had a week off.
“But I must say it feels different this time (compared with last year).
“I think, we are ready to match the Tigers.
“I want to lift the Digicel Cup trophy.
“I have worked so hard and winning it will do justice to my career.”
Studying business administration at the International Education Agency College of Tafe, former Klancy Warrior Paul is a product of Mendi Rugby League where he played from 2014-2017 while he was a student at Mendi Secondary School.
In 2017, at the age of 20, he played for the Muruks in his debut Digicel Cup season while he was doing grade 12.
Paul was then sacked by the Muruks in 2018 and was without a club but he represented Mendi in the Highlands Zone trials in that year and was named the player of the tournament.
After representing Highlands at the National Zone Championships, Paul was selected into the Hunters train-on squad along with Kimbe Cutters playmaker Justin Yoka and Rabaul Gurias forward Jordan Pat.
“Growing up, I was a diehard Muruks fan and all I ever dreamed about was representing my province in the black and white jersey,” he said.
“My dream came true in 2017 but it didn’t last long because I got sacked.
“I was heartbroken at the time as the club that I had so much passion for didn’t want me.
“Anyway, I put my head down and worked hard.
“ I didn’t give up.
“At the end of the 2019 Hunters preseason, I didn’t make the final cut but the Wigmen took me on board and I’ve been with them ever since.”
Paul was the only try scorer in the Wigmen’s 4-15 grand final loss to the Tigers last year.