Putt grateful for Super League deal

The National Sports
Nixon Putt celebrating after scoring a try for Kumuls during Rugby League World Cup match against Wales in UK last November as teammates Jacob Alick (left) and Wellington Albert celebrate at the background. – Supplied

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls second-rower Nixon Putt says playing in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) or UK’s Super League has always been his goal in rugby league and is thrilled to achieve that.
Putt, who currently plays for the Central Queensland Capras in the Hostplus Cup, signed a two-year contract (2024-2025) with Super League club Castleford Tigers a fortnight ago.
With Putt and his wife Kyarna welcoming their first baby recently, the man from Mul Baiyer told The National on Monday that moving to the UK next year would be an opportunity for his young family to experience a different life.
The 27-year-old played for SP PNG Hunters (2017-2018), Norths Devils (2019-2020) and Capras (2021-2023) in his seven years in the Hostplus Cup.
“I’ve been playing in the Hostplus Cup for seven years and it has always been my dream to play in the NRL or Super League and to finally achieve that is just a great feeling,” Putt said.

From left: Hunters’ Nixon Putt, Bland Abavu, Enok Maki, Stargroth Amean, Ase Boas, Wartovo Puara and Brandy Peter celebrating their premiership win at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in 2017. – QRLpic

“I’m just happy to test myself in higher level competition and looking forward to the challenge. I give credit to myself that I have been patient all along, I didn’t give up, I continued to play consistent footy and finally got the opportunity.
“It’s good that my wife and kid will be coming with me to UK. The contract covers everything for my family as well so it’s a great opportunity for them (family) to see and experience other part of the world.”
Putt’s career started back in 2014 as an 18-year-old when he was doing grade 12 at Hagen Park Secondary School where he made his intercity debut playing for Mt Hagen Eagles as a winger.

Central Queensland Capras forward Nixon Putt running into SP PNG Hunters’ Mark Tony (No,6) and Wesser Tenza during a Hostplus Cup match last year. – QRLpic

After completing high school, Putt continued his career with the Eagles from 2015-2016 where he was moved into second-row.
With Eagles reaching Digicel Cup semifinal in 2016 and given Putt’s form that year, he was called into the Hunters camp by then coach Michael Marum (now East New Britain Governor).
Putt’s rise continued in his debut season with the Hunters in 2017 where he made it into Kumuls’ Pacific Test side that beat Cook Islands in June 2017.
Towards the end of the season, Putt featured for Hunters’ historical premiership win where they beat Sunshine Coast Falcons 12-10 in the grand final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Nixon Putt playing for Mt Hagen Eagles during a Digicel Cup match against Gulf Isapea at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in 2016. – Picture supplied

To finish off of a great year, Putt was selected again in the Kumuls 2017 Rugby League World Cup where he became a consistent member of the team till now.
When Putt was with the Devils in 2019 he got his certificate in business management at Imagine Education Tafe in Brisbane.
Putt said he knew since high school that rugby league would take him places and impact his life which was what drove him to take the sport seriously ever since.
“I had respect for rugby league and treated it like gold because since high school I knew that I’m going to travel new places, sleep and eat in hotels, get paid and meet different people for free through the sport,” Putt said.
“My advice to kids who are interested in playing rugby league, it’s better to follow your heart and enjoy every moment of what makes you happy.
“For me, playing rugby league made me happy that’s what I pursued which led me to where I am. It’s good to set a goal, have a plan, be discipline and work hard to reach that goal.”
Putt said his goal in the Super League would be to give his best for Castleford while making new friends there.