Young Shark Luhan wants to play for Kumuls

By PARKER TAMBUA
YOUNG Cronulla Sharks forward Connor Luhan has made it known that he would love to represent Papua New Guinea if given the opportunity.
The 20-year old, 192cm, 105kg prop, who came off the bench for the Cronulla Sharks in Saturday’s NRL pre-season trial against the Canterbury Bulldogs at the Oil Search National Football Stadium, said his father Ross Luhan was born and raised in Port Moresby.
Luhan said his father and three uncles were all born in the Moresby as was his grandmother.
Though Luhan was in the country for the first time last week, he said after the NRL trial on Saturday that he had received lots of messages from family in PNG. He said he had also received a lot of questions from local media if he wanted to play for PNG and said he would love to wear red, black and gold.
“I would love to play for Papua New Guinea one day,” Luhan said.
“I’ve been in touch with my uncle and I’ve received a lot of messages from my family up here.
“But I have never been to PNG and this is my first time and I love the experience.”
Luhan is currently under the development contract with the Cronulla Sharks and the young front-rower is hoping to secure his spot in the club before trying to earn a call up to first grade.
Sharks coach John Morris said Luhan had been part of the first grade squad pre-season training after the youngster joined them from the North Queensland Cowboys.
He said Luhan had dropped 15kg during the offseason and was in shape and ready to compete for a first grade spot in what is a talent-laden pack with several other young forwards also knocking on the door to make their NRL debuts.
Morris said it was good the young prop had his first NRL trial in Port Moresby where he had family connections.
Meanwhile, NRL international development manager Tas Baitieri said in a press conference in Port Moresby last week that the International Rugby Football League would look into Luhan’s eligibility to verify if he could play for the Kumuls.