Younger brother inspires Wemin

Sports
Hela Wigman Tony Wemin in action against the Rabaul Gurias in the Digicel Cup at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby last season. – PNGNRLCpics

By PARKER TAMBUA
DIGICEL Cup premiership-winning Hela Wigmen playmaker Tony Wemin says he draws inspiration from his younger sibling and Port Moresby Vipers centre Ben Wemin. Wemin told The National last week that although he was older, Ben had started playing rugby league before him. He made his Digicel Cup debut in 2015 with Chimbu franchise, TNA Lions. Wemin has been on and off in the semi-professional competition until early last year when he joined his brother at the Port Moresby Vipers. Wemin had a few matches with Vipers early in the season but was dropped. He then found his new home with the Wigmen after coach and Papua New Guinea Kumuls legend Charlie Wabo took him in. The move to the Hela franchise seemed to be a right call as he went on to win his first premiership with the side. “I am from Chimbu and I grew up in Kundiawa,” Wemin said. “My younger brother Ben, played rugby league before me. “Even though I’m the elder brother, I always look up to Ben. “Actually, he was the one who inspired me to play while we were in primary school. We both played with a local team in the Kundiawa league. “Ben made it to Digicel Cup ahead of me when he got selected by the Lions in 2013. He was very young at the time.  “And that inspired me to play harder. I wanted to emulate him and play at that level. I got my opportunity in 2015 when I got selected by the Lions. “I played in the

Tony Wemin joined reigning champions Hela Wigmen from Port Moresby Vipers on a mid-season transfer last year.

Lions’ grand final loss to Rabaul Gurias in my debut year.” Wemin said his greatest achievement in rugby league was last year’s grand final win with the Wigmen.  He said it was a sweet victory for him as he proved the Vipers wrong after they had overlooked him. “I’ve not been consistent all these years but 2020 was a big year for me,” he said. “Initially, the Vipers took me in, but they dropped me mid-season for some reason. “Then Wabo invited me to join the Wigmen and I really found my feet at the club. “I played well and I was satisfied with my own game there.  “Eventually, we won the premiership which was the sweetest thing ever. “We beat the Vipers in the semifinal as well and I was happy that I proved them (wrong) with my game.” Wemin said his goal was to make the SP Hunters squad. “Obviously, that’s the dream of any young PNG player, we all want to play for the Hunters,” he said. “My goal is to be consistent throughout the upcoming season.” Wemin said it would be special if he and Ben could one day play for the Hunters. Meanwhile, Wemin said he wanted to take charge of the Wigmen playmaking role and guide the team this year. “We already miss our stars from last year,” he said of their players who joined the Hunters for the 2021 Queensland Intrust Super Cup season. “But it is what it is, players move on and we have to step up. “As a playmaker, I want to play with a lot more confidence this year. “I have experienced what it’s like to win a premiership and it’s about time I step up. “I am looking forward to a strong season.”