Rimbu puts education on hold

By PARKER TAMBUA
DIGICEL Cup rookie of the year Judah Rimbu says he does not regret putting his education on hold after his Hela Wigmen beat the Lae Tigers 16-14 in the decider.
The Badihagwa Secondary School student completed Grade 11 last year but chose to concentrate on playing good football for the 2019 runners-up this season.
But the Wigmen utility told The National early this year that he would return to school next year to do Grade 12.
The 19-year-old, from Kagua, Southern Highlands, said last week that playing for the Wigmen had instilled discipline and confidence in him.
“Rugby league has changed my mindset and how I see life,” the Repena villager said after he received his gong at the Digicel Cup awards night at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby last week.
“Being with the Wigmen, the environment in camp, travelling, sleeping in hotels and the discipline have shaped my personality.
“I don’t come across such experience when I play in local leagues.
“I think such experience has given me more confidence in life.
“I see that I have purpose.
“I believe these experiences not only help me in my rugby league career but most importantly it’s shaping me into a better citizen.
“The experiences have helped me be more responsible and disciplined as a student.
“If I choose to pursue another career in the future, the experiences will help.
“When I think of myself and how I was brought up, I wouldn’t have learned some of these things if there was no elite competition like the Digicel Cup in our country.”
The Digicel Cup winner believes rugby league in Papua New Guinea, especially the premier competition may not change young players in a big way but says it has the power to change each player as a person.
Meanwhile, Rimbu thanked the Wigmen and his coach Charlie Wabo for giving him his Digicel Cup debut this year.
“Charlie Wabo has been great since I joined the club,” he said.
“He has helped me develop my skills as a rugby league player.
“But I still have a lot to learn in order to become a more established and consistent player.
“I want to thank the Wigmen management for recognising my potential despite my age.”