Prop Isaac pleased with Kumuls debut, aims for more

By JACK AMI
RUGGED Kumuls prop Dilbert Isaac, pictured, says his first taste of international representative rugby league has spurred him on to become a better footballer.
Isaac told The National that he was stoked to have made his debut for Papua New Guinea this year after a solid season for the SP PNG Hunters in the Q-Cup.
“For me to play for the country and coming off the bench set a benchmark in my career so far and it was good to win the second game after losing the first in Lae,” Isaac said.
“Making it into the Kumuls is not easy and I’m grateful for the chance becuase there are so many other guys also pushing for spots,” the 26-year-old said.
Isaac credited his quick rise through the ranks from the Digicel Cup (Simbu Lions and Agmark Gurias) to the Hunters programme and then on to the national side in three years to “discipline, determination and dedication”.
He also thanked Hunters and Kumuls coach Michael Marum for his advice and coaching for improving his game.
“I’m thankful to Michael for helping me get better over the season. He’s (Marum) a serious coach who encourages players to do their best and work extra hard to earn their places.”
Isaac said he enjoyed training and playing alongside the other Kumuls props in Hunters teammates Enock Maki and Stanton Albert and brother Wellington Albert.
“It was a learning experience for me learning playing with the other experienced guys in the pack,” Isaac said.
Isaac said the Kumuls experience was similar to the Hunters in camp with the brotherhood and among the players and focus on getting the job done.