Young Paraka inducted in TSS rugby hall of fame

By HENRY MORABANG
AUSTRALIAN schoolboys rugby player Pettowa Paraka has become the first Papua New Guinean to be inducted in the Southport School’s Rugby Hall of Fame.
From Baiyer in the Western Highlands, young Paraka was one of the three rugby players from the school included in the Hall of Fame along with Champel Wakely and Lachlan Duncan.
The former Southport School year 12 student rose to stardom when he donned the Australia Schoolboys rugby jersey to play the New Zealand Schoolboys rugby last year.
The Gold Coast resident started playing rugby as young as seven years old and had a regular face in the the Southport School representative team and, also represented Queensland on several occasions in different age groups challenge. 
After the intra-state championships last year, Paraka was selected in the Australia Schoolboys rugby team and went on to play for Australia where they defeated New Zealand Schoolboys 26-19.
The barnstorming prop’s achievement wearing the Australian jumper in any sport is a dream for many Papua New Guinea students studying in Australia. 
Paraka now joins some of the great TSS players in rugby and rugby league who came out from the school. They include Matt Rogers who went on to play rugby league and rugby for Australia.
Paraka excelled in the game when he was drafted into ARU national academy in Brisbane at Ballymore Oval.
The academy which effectively replaces the state-based academies has been used by the Australian Super Rugby teams to secure and develop young talents.