Second time lucky – The National

Max makes Hunters’ dream come true

**Chimbu and Enga native Alex Max while playing for the Rabaul Gurias last season. – Gurias pic.**

By MICHAEL PHILIP
Alex Max is making another comeback into the PNG SP Hunters team for the 2024 season after unsuccessfully attempting to break into the side two years ago.
The lad from Chimbu was first drafted into the Hunters preseason training in 2022, however, he was released and plied his trade with the Rabaul Gurias last season.
Max told The National that his selection into the final 30-man Hunters squad was a dream come true for him and he would be vying for a spot in coach Paul Aiton’s side for the 2024 season.
“To be selected into the final squad is a dream come true for me,” the 95.5kg and 187cm tall forward said.
“I am overjoyed at the moment. Everyone dreams to make it into the team, especially the newcomers in camp. I am overjoyed to be among the group, I am really happy to be part of the Hunters this season.”
Max said his selection into the Hostplus side would not be possible without the support from the East New Britain franchise Gurias, who had helped him become a better player.
He said former Gurias coach Francis Ray gave him a chance to prove his worth playing in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition.
“I want to extend my thank you to former Gurias coach Francis Ray and the Gurias management,” he said.
“Coach Ray was the one who realised that I had the potential to improve my game. He called me up telling me that I would join the Rabaul Gurias for the 2023 season. I was awarded the rookie of the year.
“They are the best team participating in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition and to join them was really exciting to me.
“Also big thanks to the Gurias board of management led by the team manager Mapua Tamtu for their trust in me guiding me all the way through, big credit to them.”
Max started his rugby league career while attending Waghi Valley Secondary School in Jiwaka, playing for the Bomai Bulldogs in the Kimil Rugby League Competition in 2016.
He later joined the Kondo East to play in the Coca Cola Ipatas Cup in 2017 and 2018. A big breakthrough came for him in 2020 when he was selected to join the Enga Mioks for the 2020 season.

**23-year-old Alex Max while playing for the Waghi Tumbe in the 2022 Digicel Cup season. – Picture by Strangers in Paradise.**

However, his dreams and plans for success was shattered due to Covid-19 which set him back.
He came back fresh in 2022 playing for the Waghi Tumbe and surprisingly got the call-up to be part of the Hunters preseason, but unfortunately he did not make it through.
Discipline, dedication and commitment from the lanky second-rower paved his way into Gurias in 2023 after a successful performance during the Ipatas Cup.
“My rugby league journey is rough and tough but I thank my good Lord and everyone who has been behind my back pushing me to go forward despite setbacks in life I encountered.
“I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Michael Tee from the Kimil Rugby League Competition, Peter Denge and Joe McConnor for inviting me to play for the Kondo East team.
“I have achieved my dream of becoming a Hunter, but doesn’t mean I’ll stop working hard.
“I still have a long way to go. I have my own dreams and goals that are ahead of me.
“Not to be in the Hunters only but to go further than that representing my country at the biggest stage, but for this season I just have to give my best to the Hunters.”
Max said his main focus this season with the Hunters would be working hard to improve his form and fitness and avoid injuries.
The former Rabaul Gurias said he had learned a lot from head coach Paul Aiton and Warotovo Puara Jnr and would continue to learn from them to improve his game.