Talita explains Hunters exit

The National Sports

By JOSEPH REMA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumul Stanford Talita says he withdrew from the SP PNG Hunters 2020 squad because he wants to complete his education.
Talita, who was the only Digicel Cup player to be named in last year’s Kumuls squad, also pulled out of the Hunters preseason squad in 2018 to complete a diploma in business management.
The 24-year-old said he had to turn down Hunters coach Matthew Church’s offer to player for the club this season because he would not be able to commit fully to the programme.
He said he wanted to finish his education and acquire his degree before committing to the sport. The Paga Panther first grader said he would not have time for studies and to attend classes if he chose to join Hunters programme.
The Engan said he wanted to make sure he had a career to fall back on once he stopped playing and it was important for him to make his education the priority.
“Every young man who plays rugby league wants to one day play for the Hunters and then for the Kumuls,” Talita said. “I have the same vision too but then I have to prepare for life in the long run, about what I’ll be doing after rugby league.
“When age catches up with me and I can’t play anymore and I have to retire, life will still go on and I will need something, some qualification, to fall back on and help me get a decent job. That’s why I’m putting education first.”
Talita, who played in the World Nines last year, has played for PNG representative sides since 2017 when he was picked for the PNG Prime Minister’s 13 side.
He said the Hunters programme was a professional system that needed complete commitment and he was not willing to juggle.
Talita will however, continue to play in the Port Moresby Rugby League as well as the Digicel Cup for the Hela Wigmen.
He said Hunters coach Church had told him the club would still consider him in the future provided his form was good and he had completed his studies.

12 comments

  • Hunters need to start thinking holistically. We must also look at preparing our players for what lays ahead of them after their time as a rugby player comes to an end. It is done by QRL, NSWRL and the NRL teams. Australian Rugby League takes all these into consideration and allows education and leniency in respect to developing an individual.
    Hunters should now be looking at how they can assist these young men to achieve high educational results while being able to be in the team. This talk about being in the Hunter’s ONLY and nothing else is a very narrow way of looking at life. Do this and believe me you will have more kids lining up to sign up!

  • Wise young man!

    Hope other young Rrugby leaguers learn something from him.

    Importantly, hopefully PNGNRL create programmes for life after rugby so bright rugby talents are not lost !

  • Talita, it’s a wise decision you made. You can still play in the representative footy if you keep your form.

  • Education is the Key to every success in Life. Best decision Talita. I hope every other young man who aspires to play for hunters has the same thinking process as Talita. Best wishes and keep working hard.
    One fine day you will still wear the Hunters colors but with absolute confidence since your future is well and truly secured.

  • Talita has made a lifetime decision not only for himself but for his family as well. A good example for the kids who are still in school. Education is the key for a prosperous life ahead. Thumps up

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