Win dedicated to PM

PAPUA New Guinea international and Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam dedicated Sunday’s win over the New Zealand Warriors to Prime Minister James Marape who turned 50 years old last week.
The former Lae Snax Tiger wrote “PM50” on his wrist and scored a try in the 42-20 round-seven National Rugby League win at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Olam told The National on Monday that Marape deserved recognition as he had gone through some tough times, including the Covid-19 period, as the prime minister of the PNG.
“This game was for our prime minister,” he said.
“I heard that it was his 50th birthday on the weekend, so I wanted to cheer him up.
“He has been through a lot in the last couple of months in terms of decision making and criticism.
“I thought that he was our leader, no matter what.
“So I was only showing the gesture to at least let him know that he has my support.
“That goes to all our leaders too.”
Olam clarified that his statement was not political but an appreciation to the leaders of the country.
“No, not at all,” he said.
“I’ll do the same for all our leaders. We are too busy criticising them and tend to forget that they are humans too.
“They are doing their best to lead us.
“Whether we like it or not, it was us who chose them through our vote.”
Meanwhile, the 27-year old has so far scored four tries in seven matches this season and is five matches shy of his 50th NRL appearance.