A tremendous story based on family took place Sunday, October 13, with husband and wife, Brandon Nima and Belinda Gwasamun, playing for the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII against their Australian counterparts at the Santos National Football Stadium, in Port Moresby.
Hailing from Goroka and Mt Hagen respectively, Brandon and Belinda, who are both outside backs, grew up loving the game and were able to live their dream by representing their country at senior international level.
Brandon, has already become a mainstay of the successful PNG Hunters team, having scored 41 tries in 96 appearances since making his debut in 2019.
He went on to make his international debut for the Kumuls against Samoa in the same year.
Belinda has been equally impressive in rising through the ranks, debuting for the PNG Orchids in 2019 and setting the rugby league world alight in 2022, when she scored four superb tries against Brazil in helping the Orchids through to the knockout stages of the women’s World Cup in England.
Belinda has also impressed Australian fans this year, helping the Wentworthville Magpies make the semi-finals in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.
Adding an even greater family touch to the evening was the fact that the couples’ 9-year-old son, Hayden, was at the games, watching his mum and dad at a ‘live’ game together for the first time.
Stanley Hondina, CEO PNGRFL, spoke about the importance of family within the game of rugby league in PNG.
“Rugby League in this country is a game that is built on the foundations of family and support,” Hondina said.
“For Brandon and Belinda to have reached the highest level and represented their country is testament to the dedication and support that each has shown as their careers have developed,” he said.
“Sunday was a historic day for the sport in this country as they represented the PM’s XIII for the first time on the same day on home soil.
“With their young son and family there to watch we are extremely proud of both of their achievements,” Hondina added.
