Justin Olam, bone crushing runs during the Melanesian Test match between PNG Kumuls and Fiji Batis did raise some eyebrows in the Australian National Rugby League competition.
The young “angra” from Chimbu who debuted for the beloved Kumuls has scored him a contract with the Melbourne Storm, but he must first pass a medical test before he puts ink onto the contract.
The announcement was made today in Port Moresby (see separate story http://www.looppng.com/content/justin-olam-accepts-offer-melbourne-storm).
Olam debuted for the SP PNG Hunters playing on the wing in the Queensland Intrust Cup this season.
He plies his trade in the country’s semi-professional rugby league competition, the Digicel Cup with the Lae-based Snax Tigers.
This is certainly a memorable year for Olam after graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Science, majoring in Applied Physics from University of Technology some months back.
Papua New Guinea is the only country on earth, where rugby league is the national sport, and now the pride is running high with social media – Facebook is being bombarded with congratulatory comments.
PNG Kumuls captain and Gold Coast Titans winger David Mead posted, “great to see PNG Kumuls winger Justin Olam will be at Melbourne Storm in 2017.
“PNG Hunters (is) doing a great job for their (PNG) players. Nice work roomie!”
Country Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko posted: “Congratulations Justin for getting a contract with the NRL Melbourne Storms next year, Fantastic Achievement. Rugby League is now moving in the right direction, a career path is now set for future rugby stars.”
Picture source: David Mead Facebook page.