Prop UK-bound

VETERAN Kumuls prop Rodney Pora is in doubt for the Residents XIII clash with South Sydney on Feb 9.
Pora has been cleared to play for English second division side Whitehaven early next month.
Reports from England said Whitehaven CEO Barry Richardson was pleased the club had finally secured the services of an experienced prop, a position he described the club as being “light on”.
The Papua New Guinea international recently passed a formal English test which was a pre-requisite for being granted a visa.
It is good news for Haven, who had long-targeted a player they believed could make a big impact in the Co-operative Championship this term.
“He wasn’t able to sit the English test until the beginning of December, despite the club, the Rugby Football League and UK Border Agency paperwork being in place since early October,” Richardson said.
“Rodney is now waiting for the issuing of his visa which could take between three and four weeks. The club sees Rodney as a major signing and we want him here as soon as is practical.”
He looks likely to miss the league opener against visitors York on Feb 3 but Richardson assured fans would not have long to wait to see him in action.
Pora, 31, is one of the country’s most experienced players, having represented the national team since 2007. He was part of Adrian Lam’s 2008 World Cup and featured prominently in the 2009 Pacific Cup-winning Kumuls side. He has also played for the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII and the Resident Kumuls since his debut.
Pora captained the national side in 2011 and is the current vice-captain.
He was part of the 2010 Four Nations squad under coach Stanley Gene and is a consistent performer on the Digicel Cup stage.
The Western Highlander is among a select few homegrown talent to play professionally.
The others are Jessie Joe Parker, Menzie Yere – both currently playing – and past legends Stanley Gene and Marcus Bai.
He joins fellow Kumul Parker who has already played a season for Whitehaven.

Pora is currently training with the Agmark Gurias in Kokopo, East New Britain, along with Residents teammates Dion Aiye, Albert Patak and Wartovo Puara Jr.

Gurias coach and Residents XIII assistant Michael Marum said Pora would play against the Rabbitohs and would then take up his contract with the Whitehaven.