Yanis out to follow heroes

 By HENRY MORABANG

IT is everyone’s dream to follow the footstep of their heroes, be it in sports or any other walk of life.

Michael Yanis of Enga and Mekeo (Central) parentage is one such up and coming rugby league star, who looks to the sky as the limit. 

He idolises Greg Inglis of South Sydney Rabbitohs, who has made the fend one of his main weapons when breaking defensive lines. 

Locally, Yanis admires former Kumul  and Hunters back-rower Sebastian Pandia for his work rate in the forwards and how he fearlessly carts the ball against opponents twice his size.

Yanis, who spent most of his school life in Enga, moved to Port Moresby recently to join his family at Rabia street, Kaugere, in the National Capital District. 

The lanky Yanis stands at six feet (1.82m), and tips the scale at 78kg which is a good build for a rugby league winger or fullback – and he is still growing.

The 19-year old Badihagwa High School student is excited about being part of the Port Moresby Vipers training squad for 2016 Digicel Cup.

It is a huge challenge for a boy of his age, but he is confident he will give his best shot at the training sessions to win one of the 25 available spots in the Vipers team.

Young Yanis is thankful for the financial support from his benefectors, mainly uncle Paul Yanis and Port Moresby-based Wapenamanda businessman Ben Wia.

“Both Paul and Ben have been very supportive to young Michael as he plays rugby league for his school Badihagwa in the school boys competition,” said Brian Yanis, the father

“As young Michael wants to pursue his rugby league career, all the family members are proud of him and are his number one supporters.”

Young Michael had to forego his Cairns trip with the Kokoda rugby league team to remain and take part in the Port Moresby Vipers training.

“I will give my best to make the cut for the Vipers team,” Yanis said.