Rimbu willing to make sacrifice
By PARKER TAMBUA
DIGICEL Cup rookie of the year Judah Rimbu says he is willing to put his education on hold again if he makes the final SP Hunters squad for the Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) next season.
The 19-year-old told The National earlier this year that he had put his Grade 12 studies on hold to concentrate on playing consistent rugby league for Digicel Cup champions Hela Wigmen.
The Badihagwa Secondary School student had planned to complete his secondary education next year.
But following his selection into the Hunters’ 37-man train-on squad, Rimbu is happy to put his education aside again and pursue his boyhood dream of playing with the 2017 ISC champions.
The utility is among eight Wigmen players in Matthew Church’s train-on squad who are aiming to make the final cut before the Hunters relocate to Southeast Queensland for next season.
The Southern Highlands native, from Rogoma village in Kagua, said his friends and family had high hopes for him.
“Ever since I started playing at primary school, it has always been my dream to make the Hunters one day,” the former Papua New Guinea Under-16 representative said.
“And here I am experiencing the Hunters’ pre-season camp for the first time.
“The pre-season is just the first step.
“I want to give my best in every session so that I can impress the selectors for the final cut.
“A lot of my friends and family are hoping I make the final squad, so I want to reward them for their support and belief.
“The camp feels like home.
“I am open so it’s easy for me to share ideas and knowledge with the senior players in the squad.
“I’m also trying to learn as much as I can from the coach.”
Rimbu, who can play in the halves, made special mention of his mum “who has been there for me every step of the way”.
“She has played a big part in helping me get to where I am today, so I’d like to thank her for all that she has done for me,” the former Waigani Primary School student said.
“I’d like to thank my Rogoma tribesmen too.
“I also get support from people overseas who have made a difference in my life.
“Special thanks to Jonathan Kirby from Newcastle, Australia.
“Jonathan is one of my close friends who always provides me rugby boots and training gear.
“So I want to make all these people proud by making the final squad.”
8 comments
He’s a good kid, his best years is ahead of him.
For now, I think he will play that utility role off the bench if he makes the cut.
All the best Rimbu.
Rimbu, as a Kagua-Eravean, am extremely proud to read your article. Good Luck. “Success isn’t owned, it’s Leased and rent it due every day”. Son, I know you have been working hard and thinking about making the final squad for a while. Play hard is my simple advise. Remember to work hard and play the game with all intensity and integrity. I know you will do great. I have been so impressed by your commitment to your team and to training and being in the best shape possible. No matter what happens, you should be proud of everything you have done. Be the leader that you are out there on the field. Your teammates will be looking at you to be an example of good sportsmanship and focus. I am sure you will do great. Don’t let pre-game jitters fool with your mind. Repurpose that emotion into your resolve and willingness to succeed, knowing that you’ll be an enormous asset to your team. Finally, Don’t let anything distract you from the big game. When you are focused, you are a very special football player, and the other teams don’t know what to do with you. I do not doubt that you’ll be playing to your strengths, and giving it your all during the big game. After you put your boots on and head out to kick-off, don’t stop believing in yourself. “No matter the circumstances you may be going through, just push through it. I’ll wind up with this two Bible verses for you Son – ” 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
You have chosen rugby league over education, that’s fair choice made. Give all and whatever you have to achieve your dreams. We are closely watching all the process you are going through to get in there.
Although not much of a coach, you have all what it takes to be like former and current greats – Marcus Bai, Justin Olam, Edene Gabbie, Stanley Gene and many more….
Wish you all the best in your endeavours..
You still have more time to develop more talent and improve to greater heights. Be flexible, change and improve for more opportunities and you will grow. We were born to fail but to succeed, Wooden, cheers
It would have been wise to complete your education first. At least, then, you would have something to fall back on if you don’t make it. Look at some of the senior players like Justin Olam ( Unitech Graduate), Enoch Maki (UPNG Graduate), Moses Meninga ( UOG Graduate), Junior Rop (Lae School of Nursing), etc… – all these guys have graduated with some form of qualification because they put education first, even if it meant sacrificing their spot in the hunters for a few years.
In saying that, I am really hoping you make it all the way.
Give it a go young man and see how you fare. Then you might return to complete your high school education, for education does not stop until you are 6ft underground as there are many avenues to pursue education today.
Well done countryman, be humble and open to learn. If you do not make the cut, it is not the end you have a future to live out.
God bless you
He’s making wrong choice to leave Education off this unbalanced equation
Olams success tool was his qualification bettered by his playing talent
Three keyPriorities should be:
1 Church
2 Education
3 Sports
Comments are closed.