Epel Kapinias

This collaboration is an integral part of the strategic partnership between the SP PNG Hunters and the Dolphins NRL club, intending to facilitate the entry of more local players from Papua New Guinea into the NRL competition.

Under the guidance of Waynen Bennett NRL’s coaching guru and Dolphins head coach, Rimbu and Kapinias commenced their training this week.

Over the next eight weeks of preseason, they will be working towards securing a full-time NRL contract.

Epel was signed up by the Seagulls in February this year however his travel was delayed while awaiting visa clearance.

Before joining the Seagulls squad last month, Epel had been hard at training with the Rabaul Agmark Gurias to keep himself fit and ready for the new season.

After missing the first 3 rounds of the Hostplus Cup, Epel got his first opportunity to don the red and green colors on Sunday against Dolphins.

The middle forward from Rabaul in Papua New Guinea has played the past three seasons for the PNG Hunters in the Hostplus Cup.

The 24-year old has also represented Papua New Guinea at the Commonwealth Championships Under 23s Nines competition in 2018.

Seagulls Coach Adam Brideson says he is excited about what Kapinias can offer the club this season.

“Epel is an experienced middle forward at Hostplus Cup level,” Brideson said.

“He is a strong athlete with good skills and will add a lot to our forward pack.

“I have two older brothers and a sister.

“I come from Nanga Nanga village in the Raluana LLG area, Kokopo, East New Britain.”

Nangananga village in the Raluana LLG, Kokopo is famous for producing great representative softball, rugby union and rugby league players over the years; a legacy that continues to inspire Epel's generation today.

To start with Epel could have ended up being as a policeman like his father, after completing his year 12 studies.