Playing in PNG changes Fijian Noke’s view of the country

By PARKER TAMBUA
LAE Tigers’ Fijian import Tikiko Noke says playing rugby league in Papua New Guinea for three years has changed his perception of the country.
The 26-year-old, from Lautoka, won his second Digicel Cup title on Sunday when the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side beat Waghi Tumbe 16-10 at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
Noke told The National after the grand final that his perception of PNG was different before he joined the Tigers in 2018.
“I used to hear bad stories about PNG before I came here,” he said.
“They said that it was not a good place.
“But in my three years playing for the Tigers, I’ve travelled to different places around the country and what I see does not reflect what I heard about the country.
“I played in Mendi a few years back, I went to Wabag and other centres.
“The people there and their culture are amazing.
“It’s a beautiful country.
“I’m thrilled to come here and experience PNG.”
In Noke’s debut season, the Tigers reached the playoffs but they lost in the semifinals.
He was part of the Tigers’ 2019 title-winning campaign where they beat Hela Wigmen in the decider.
Noke wasn’t part of the 2020 squad due to the Coronavirus travel restrictions.
The prop said he loved the passion of rugby league followers in PNG.
“I love the hype especially in the finals,” Noke said.