Two-try debutant Kapinias focused

By MICHAEL PHILIP
WYNNUM Manly recruit Epel Kapinias says he is not getting ahead of himself as the former SP Hunter aims to cement a regular starting at the Seagulls.
The forward scored two tries in his club debut as Wynnum Manly recorded their second victory with a 42-14 win over visitors Redcliffe Dolphins in round four of the Hostplus Cup in Brisbane on Sunday.
Starting at prop, Kapinias opened the scoring when he stormed onto a short ball by former Canberra Raider Luke Bateman and beat four defenders to plant the ball under the uprights in the 18th minute at BMD Kougari Oval.
Fifteen seconds from fulltime, brilliant vision by rake Harrison Graham near Redcliffe’s tryline saw the former Rabaul Guria stroll over to seal the win with his second try and help the reigning runners-up climb one spot to eighth.
“Despite my two-try performance, I’m still far from where I want to be,” the 23-year-old told The National.
“There are still many games left and they will only get tougher as the season continues.
“But all in all, I was excited to make my club debut.
“I have to be committed to training and continue improving in each game.”
Kapinias said his double came off the back of learning combinations quickly.
Meanwhile, Seagulls coach Adam Brideson praised the New Guinea Islander for buying into the club culture.
“He is great up the middle,” he said.
“I’ve seen him pick up very quickly.
“The whole squad love what he brings to the team.
“That’s a good sign.
“We will look to bring out the best in him so he realises his full potential. From there, he can develop into a professional rugby league player.”
Brideson said the former Kokopo Muruk had a bright future ahead in the sport.