Wigmen rookie Lawrence graduates

The National Sports
Enga and Chimbu native Igiboi Lawrence receiving his bachelor’s degree in business management from University of Papua New Guinea chancellor Robert Igara.

By MICHAEL PHILIP
JUGGLING education and rugby league has paid off for University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) graduate and Hela Wigmen rookie Igiboi Lawrence.
He recently graduated with a bachelor in business management, majoring in human resources.
The desire to balance his studies with the sport came about when he realised that life after sports would be a struggle.
“It’s uncommon to see Papua New Guinea rugby league players with tertiary education,” Lawrence said. “I’ve seen and heard many examples relating to life after sports.
“That’s why many people choose their studies over sports.
“But for me, I decided to balance both.
“When I fell in love with the sport while doing grade nine in 2013, I told myself that it was crucial that I balanced my studies with rugby league.
“That was what motivated me.
“Even though my family members were hesitant about me playing rugby league, I continued to focus on both areas.
“I do trust the path that I’m taking. I believe it is not hard to be like (Melbourne Storm) centre Justin Olam, winger Xavier Coates and other PNG internationals.” The 23-year-old, however, conceded that juggling education and sports had its fair share of challenges.
“It was not an easy road for me,” the Enga and Chimbu native said.
“I admit that some things didn’t happen the way I had expected especially during my university days.
“But I kept dusting myself off and marched forward because I had a dream, so giving up was not an option.” Lawrence started playing rugby league with Y-Waves in the Gomis competition while doing grade nine at Mt Hagen Secondary School in 2013. He went on to play in the Mt Hagen league competition with Kum Tigers. Lawrence completed Grade 12 in 2016 and was a freshman in 2017.
At UPNG, he got involved in sports and joined UPNG Pythons.

Hela Wigmen co-captain Valentine Culligan and rookie Igiboi Lawrence after their graduation in Port Moresby. The pair graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Papua New Guinea. – towalphotographypics

Mt Hagen-raised Lawrence was selected late last year into the Wigmen’s train-on squad after a solid performance in the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup final against University of Technology Spartans at the Santos National Football Stadium.
The rookie’s commitment to pre-season training saw him play at halfback in trial matches against Gulf Isou and Central Dabaris.
Lawrence said he was honoured to be identified by the 2020 premiers. “To be where I am, it was all because of hard work,” he said after his graduation.
“I thank my family members for their support in my education and sporting career, and my course mates for their trust in me.
“Today is a different feeling altogether, having my bachelor’s degree and making the final Wigmen squad.
“It’s a dream come true for me and I am excited about it.
“But this is just the beginning of more dreams.”
The utility said he would do his best for the Kroton-sponsored Wigmen this season.