By CHARLIE DUMAVI
PAPUA New Guinea rugby league star Nene McDonald says his passion for wearing the Kumul jersey remains very at heart and will remain this way until death.
The PNG international made his rugby league debut for PNG in 2013, with the journey being a bonding factor for him with his family.
With the love his cultural PNG heritage, McDonald said means much for him and his family when he dons the Kumul jersey and he will always be proud to represent PNG until death.
“I remember putting on my first jersey in 2013 (just) like yesterday,” he said.
“And when the national anthem is played, you look around and see all your people united – and that is a very proud moment for me and my family.
“It’s been a good journey; I’ve been here a long time and I’m proud every time I put this jersey on.”
McDonald was exceptional against the crowds favorite Tabuai Fidow in the 2023 PM’s XIII clash in Port Moresby last weekend and is glad to see more new players putting on the PNG jersey for the first time.
“Now I get to take these young boys under my wing and show them, tell them what it means and show them the part as we continue to put this jersey on with pride,” he said.
“Hopefully these boys will be the next boys to play for us.
“This is our country and putting the Kumul jersey on is a lot different than playing for another’s country.
“It’s the dream of every young boy to don the Kumul jersey the past players know what it’s like.”
McDonald, whose wife gave birth to a young baby boy recently, said he is far from retirement and will be available to represent PNG in the years to come.
“I’ll wear this jersey till I die (laughs), till my legs stop working anymore,” he said.
“As long as I keep playing, I’ll be proud to be a Kumul.”
