Tapol looking sharper

By JACK AMI
Papua New Guinea Hunters training squad member Daniel Tapol says he is working hard to fit into the structures and combinations set out by coach Michael Marum.
Tapol has instilled this mindset since he began training with the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored club 11 weeks ago.
From Southern Highlands, Tapol departed the rugged terrains of Tem village to further his rugby league career in the nation’s capital.
The grade 10 school leaver, who attended Mogol High School in Upper Mendi, said about 75 per cent of the Hunters training was different to that of the Digicel Cup franchises.
Tapol said he was aware of what it took to make the final squad ahead of the season opener next month.
“It’s not easy, as we all have come through this as a team,” the 26 year-old said.
“It’s all up to us, whether we make the final squad or not.
“It all comes down to sacrifice.
“There is no time to relax. We attend two training sessions a day – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
“In sports, we have to be disciplined. It’s like being a Christian, so everyone must fall in line.
“Coming here and finding the Hunters programme a lot of different to what I am used to, it is tough.
“But senior player Adex Wera is an inspiration to me. He is always encouraging me to be strong and take things as they come while we are in camp.
“It was painful at the start but now is a part of us.
“The training has given me strength and extra energy. I’m looking much sharper than before.”
Tapol said his regular position was in the second row, but he would gladly fit into the centres or on the wing with his 180cm, 102kg frame.
“I started off in the village league during the Christmas games and my talent was identified by Stanton Albert’s father Albert Yaro.
“He told me that I played well.
“He told me to try the town competition in Mendi.
“So my village club, Glensy Warriors, competed for a season there in the B grade. That’s where it all started for me.
“The following year, I linked up with the Kiluwe Tigers and made their A grade side.
“In 2014, I was recruited by the Enga Mioks but was not a regular in 2015 and 2016.
“I returned to Mendi to link up with the Muruks but again, I switched back to the Mioks.
“Last year, I made the Wigmen.
“I had a good season with them but we did not make the finals.”
Tapol thanked his family and former clubs for grooming him to become a better person in life, and not just in rugby league.