Pora signs up with the Eagles

By KEVIN TEME
BLOCKBUSTING veteran Kumul prop Rodney Pora finally signed up with the Wantok Gaming System Mt Hagen Eagles late last week.
Early last week, The National had revealed that Pora had not been attached with any of the 10 franchises competing in the Digicel Cup this season.
However, Pora has finally hooked up with the Eagles and helped his side to beat the Gulf Isapeas 42-8 in game five of the Digicel Cup at the Kagamuga Showground in Mt Hagen.
“It is premature to comment on Pora’s performance at this stage. However, he obviously made a huge impact on the team running at prop forward and as indicated in the scoreline,” Eagles chairman of selectors Isaac Kombamong said.
He said it was also a sweet homecoming for the Western Highlander, who is expected to cap off a remarkable career after Max Tiri retires in the near future.
Tiri represented the Eagles and captained PNG Kumuls on several occasions and had retired and Pora seemed following in his footsteps.
Tiri played in the forward position as second-rower unlike Pora is now a front liner in the prop position.
It was a tough year for the former Gurias captain who had to cut short his overseas signing with the Newtown Jets in the New South Wales group 26 competition early this year, citing personal reason.
Despite his leadership role at the national and international level, Pora is content where he is now and will commit to his Eagles’ teammates and officials.
Pora, who had represented the Eagles while working for the Goodman Fielders International Ltd in Mt Hagen moved to the Mendi Muruks in Lae in 2006.
Pora was part of the Muruks side that won three consecutive grand finals and ended up with Niugini Islands Agmark Rabaul Gurias in 2000.
Pora made a huge impact for the Gurias and was named captain last year.
George Moni is also with the Eagles but is sidelined following his ankle injury sustained from the pre-season trial match.