By GABRIEL KATUHO
GRINDING continues for former Gurias forward Himson Ulalom as he sets his eyes for a space in PNG Hunters Club’s final 30-man squad.
The former Rabaul Gurias forward is on a mission to secure a spot in the Hunters forward pack as he grinds through the humid weather despite the heat in training.
Himson Ulalom is now among other best forwards who have been selected into the PNG Hunters Club’s preseason 2025 and it is not easy for him as he described.
“First part of the preseason was very tough, now coming to the second block of the preseason feels a bit okay,” he expressed.
Like other players who have the dream to make their mark in rugby league, Ulalom developed his interest while watching his cousin Kelia Stanley who is a former fullback for Rabaul Gurias Club.
Driven by the images of his cousin in his mind, he started playing with Toma, a local team in his village, in Gazelle district in East New Britain province and then went on to play in the town competition with Tene Lions Club.
He then joined the Tene Lions playing in town competition and was scouted by Rabaul Gurias Club in 2023.
Whole of 2023 he was with Rabaul Gurias Club; however, he did not play a single game.
Things unfolded so fast that 2024 was the year Ulalom started unleashing his potential in every game he played and impressed selectors from the PNG Hunters Club.
He was selected to the preseason and he is doing all he could to not only survive the toughness of the preseason but to earn a spot in Aiton’s final 30-man squad.
“I am looking forward to make the final squad for the PNG Hunters Club,” Ulalom confidently stated.
“The training is tough and I am giving all my best during the training season with the hope of making it to Hunters’ final squad.
“I learnt a lot in the Hunters’ camp compared to Digicel ExxonMobil cup, specifically in defense and attack.”
“Coach is helping us, especially the forwards in the middle pack. We are running our lines and learning how to communicate inside the field,” he added.
Ulalom’s focus is to get himself included in Hunters’ final squad and he is looking at representing the country by playing for Kumuls and accomplishing more achievements that rugby league can offer.
“If I make the squad, it is a success and if I do not make the squad, I will take what I have learnt back to Rabaul Gurias and help some of the young ones coming up.”
