Rookie Rabaul Gurias hooker excited to make Churchʼs train-on squad

By MICHAEL PHILIP
ROOKIE Rabaul Gurias rake Nathan Tente says he is one step closer to realising his SP Hunters dream after being called up to the train-on squad in Port Moresby.
Despite his Agmark-sponsored team falling short of last season’s grand final, he had been instrumental directing the pack across the park in the Digicel Cup.“We had a tough season this year, but I am happy that we made it to the elimination finals,” Tente said.
“My selection to join the pre-season training camp is unbelievable.
“I didn’t expect it, but I am now here and looking forward to the challenge.”
The No.9 was doing Grade 8 at Kalamanagunan Primary School when he started playing rugby league.
He played in schoolboys system and was selected to represent the New Guinea Islands in the zone trials in 2016.
His performance caught the eye of the Junior Papua New Guinea Kumuls selectors and they offered him a chance to be part of the team in 2015 and 2016.
The 19-year-old was then scouted by the Gurias to join their development squad in 2017.
Tente was part of the squad for four years until 2019 when Gurias coach Marcus Kaugla handed him his Digicel Cup debut against neighbours Kimbe Cutters at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.
This year, the East New Briton has proved to the Gurias that he belongs in the No.9 jersey at the semi-professional level.
The Mogo native, from Poimo, described his selection into the Hunters train-on squad as an opportunity to learn new skills under the leadership of Hunters head coach Matthew Church.
“I am grateful to make it into the train-on squad,” Tente said.
“I know a lot of challenges await me and it all depends on how I handle them.
“But I am ready to hunt for a spot in the final squad for the 2022 season.”
The rake said he was excited to train alongside his Gurias heroes in Ase Boas, Wartovo Puara Jr, Epel Kapinias and Ila Alu.
Meanwhile, the Hunters are yet to announce their train-on squad, but is understood that the 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup champions have already begun assembling their players for the pre-season.
An announcement on the squad is expected to be made in the coming days.