Rugby league: the good, the bad and the ugly

THE Good: The path Justin Olam’s rugby league career has taken is a shining example to all those players and youngsters out there who are dreaming big.
It can be done and nothing is impossible – as long as one has the will, tenacity, dedication and attitude to pursue those dreams to the ends of the earth, if that’s what it takes.
Hunters chief executive officer Bob Cutmore, who is more than qualified to pass comment on such matters said an interesting thing earlier in the week about the “meteoric rise” of the 22-year-old.
Olam isn’t the most talented player in the Hunters, nor is he the best in the country.
That staggering statement was quickly followed up by an explanation that made a lot of sense.
He’s shown that he has that drive that only a few talented athletes in the world have.
The will to succeed and to push himself in every endeavour, in every carry, every tackle and in every minute of every game, without respite, without quarter and without the need for acknowledgement.
For Olam, performance seems to be an internal matter.
He’s not trying to please his coach, his fans, family or the selectors.
Rather, he’s pushing himself to his limits and making every effort count because that excellence is what spurs and drives him on.
That’s what separates the champion from the stars, the legend for the heroes.
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The Bad and Ugly: Rugby league players are human and as such they will make mistakes but nothing can excuse violence committed by these sportsmen on their fellow players.  Hela Wigmen Dickson Paul and Maxie Kapia are a disgrace to the Digicel Cup and all the hardworking, disciplined and genuine players out there.
They are cowards of the lowest order and deserve to be separated from the rest by their actions.