By ORCHY REX
Papua New Guinea rugby league icon Justin Olam has pledged his support for the development of grassroots rugby league in PNG
Speaking during the PNG NRL and League Bilong Laif (LBL) development workshop in Port Moresby this week, the former Melbourne Storm and West Tigers star, expressed his desire to groom the next generation of rugby league stars from both rural and urban communities.
“I would love to give back to the young kids that are coming up and help where I can at the grassroots level,” Olam said.
“Grassroots rugby league is not just for urban kids, it’s for every child across the country who loves the game, whether they’re in the Highlands, Islands, Momase, or Southern regions.
Olam, who returned to PNG for a short visit, has already begun outreach visits to several primary and secondary schools in the nation’s capital, with plans to extend these visits throughout his stay.
He emphasized the importance of discipline and self-belief for young players chasing their rugby league dreams. “There’s no secret to success,” he told the media. “I believed in myself and worked hard. That’s what I want to encourage our young players to work hard and, most importantly, discipline themselves.”
As the momentum builds for PNG’s entry into the NRL competition in the coming years, Olam called for national unity and support behind the initiative.
“I always say we need to build a strong foundation and development pathway first, but our leaders have already done that. Now, we have no choice but to support in whatever ways we can,” he said.
The 2020 Dally M Centre of the Year also indicated his willingness to be involved in a more formal capacity if called upon by the PNGRFL leadership.
“I hold myself to the highest standards, and if there’s any role offered to me by the PNG Rugby League board for the PNG NRL team, I’ll be happy to assist so long as the goal align with what I believe in,” Olam said.
LBL National Program Manager, Lari Bob, said having Olam at the workshop was a major inspiration.
“It’s one thing to teach kids about values and discipline, but when someone like Justin Olam walks in and speaks from experience, it makes a lasting impact. He is a role model for every aspiring player in PNG,” he said.