Wemin out to bolster stuttering Vipers

By PARKER TAMBUA
UTILITY back Ben Wemin is determined to help ignite the Port Moresby Vipers’ stuttering attack as the Moni Plus-sponsored side look to rebound from two-straight Digicel Cup losses.
The Leonard Tarum-coached side, who face Central Dabaris at Port Moresby’s Oil Search National Football Stadium tomorrow (1pm kick-off), are yet to hit their straps this season after recording mixed results in the opening four rounds.
But Wemin is confident that the Vipers will rebound quickly as he looks to improve on his own consistency in a bid to earn selection into the SP Hunters squad for next season.
The 25-year-old told
The National last week that he had not given up on his dream of playing for the 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup champions.
“That dream is pretty much still alive, I don’t think it’s late and I’m still chasing it,” said the Chimbu native, who hails from Gumine.
“Last year, I finished the season on a high note and I thought my performances were good.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to earn selection into the Hunters squad for this year.
“But I’m hoping that this year will be my year.
“I know I have to perform better than last season and that’s what I’m trying to do week in,

Ben Wemin started his semi-professional career with TNA Lions in 2013.
week out.
“It’s not only me, I know many players share the same dream and I have to be the best to make it to that level.”
Wemin played for a local team in the Kundiawa Rugby League competition before he earned selection into one-time Chimbu franchise, TNA Lions, in 2013. Before that, in 2011, the then 15-year-old Wemin played for the Junior Papua New Guinea Kumuls.
He made his inter-city debut at the age of 17. His form in his debut year had earned him a pre-season train-and-trial stint with the 2014 inaugural SP Hunters squad.
Unfortunately for Wemin, he didn’t make the inaugural squad, but he continued his Digicel Cup career with the Vipers in 2015 up until 2017.
In 2018, Wemin had a stint with a club in New South Wales. The following year, he joined a club in a competition in the Cook Islands.
Wemin returned to home in 2020 and re-joined the Vipers where they finished in the semifinals.
“I was disappointed after I missed out on Hunters selection in 2013,” he said.
“But I managed to play consistent rugby league at the semi-professional level since then.
“I went through a lot of challenges, but I continued to play the game I love.
“Making the Hunters is my dream and hopefully I achieve it.”
Wemin can play in the centres, on the wing and at fullback for the Vipers, but he prefers to get his hands on the ball more to help spark their attack.
“I feel like I’m isolated on the wing,” he said.
“I prefer playing at fullback or reserve utility like the No.14 role.
“I want to be around where the ball is going.
“That kind of role probably suits my game. But I’m content with where the coach wants me to play.”

Below:
Gumine flyer Ben Wemin had rugby league stints in New South Wales and the Cook Islands.