Putt primed for Cup

By MICHAEL PHILIP
QUEENSLAND Capras second-rower Nixon Putt is primed for a quality 2022 season after the first phase of preseason training and is hoping a strong performance in the Hotplus Cup to bolster his chances of retaining a spot in Papua New Guinea’s squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Putt admitted that competition for places in coach Michael Marum’s 25-man squad would be intense as many forwards in the Queensland Cup as well as Digicel Cup would be aiming for a limited number of spots.
“It doesn’t even matter to me what team I am playing for, a top team or a bottom team, I am aiming to play consistent football in the coming Hostplus season and I’ve prepared for that during our preseason training,” the Western Highlander said.
Putt, a back-rower who can also fill in as a centre, said he was focusing on attaining a high level of fitness in order to play 80 minutes and improve his value to the team.
“I know the selection it’s going to be tough but that’s not my problem to worry about. I just have to keep my head down and concentrate on my training and play as many games as I can in 2022.”
Putt was signed by the Norths Devils on a two-year contract in 2019 after an impressive two seasons with the SP Hunters which saw him make his Kumul debut and win a premiership.
He then joined the Capras and was later joined by fellow Hagen native and Hunters teammate McKenzie Yei.
Putt said he was also proud to be seen as a leader among his teammates and hoped to lead by example as they aim to play an improved brand of football in the new season.