Yei, Putt excite Simbiken

JEDIDIAH Simbiken is excited about the upcoming Intrust Super Cup season (ISC) after the 22-year-old joined fellow countrymen Mckenzie Yei and Nixon Putt at the Central Queensland Capras.
From from Maprik, East Sepik, he earned a call-up for the inaugural 2019 Rugby League World Cup Nines while playing with the Redcliffe Dolphins where he spent two seasons with the Adam Mogg-coached side.
“It gives me a lot of confidence to know I’ll be playing alongside them,” said Simbiken, who has so far scored five tries across 12 ISC games.
“With the skills that Nixon and Mckenzie have, I’m confident that we will do well this year.”
He said the Dolphins had taught him a lot of skills which he would use at his new club.
“Playing with the Dolphins has given me a whole new approach to my game,” Simbiken said.
“I have improved in terms of on-field communication and I believe it will hold me in good stead.
“I look forward to contributing to the Capras’ campaign.”
Simbiken said his goal was to complete the season without any hiccups after being hampered by injuries during his time at Redcliffe.
“My other goal is to make the Papua New Guinea Kumuls squad for this year’s World Cup in England,” he said. “It’s a big ask but I’ll just give it my best shot and see what happens.”
Rugby league aside, Simbiken is doing his apprenticeship as a mechanic with Toyota.
He said his long-term plan was to become a fulltime mechanic after retiring from rugby league.
Simbiken said he grew up loving soccer.
“But my mum encouraged me to play rugby league and that’s where it started,” he said.
Simbiken said Melbourne Storm, Queensland Maroons and Australian legend Billy Slater was his role model.