By Gabriel Katuho
Alex Max eagerly awaits a call from PNG SP Hunters Coach Paul Aiton to join the team for this year’s Queensland Rugby League Hostplus competition.
Speaking to the media, he expressed his excitement at being selected for the Hunter’s train-on squad, successfully completing the pre-season and making the final cut.
He believes he still stands a chance to make the team for this season and is ready to make the most of the opportunity if it comes to fruition.
Max is part of the Hunter’s fringe squad, composed of players who didn’t make the final 30-man squad and those in the final squad yet to be called up for a game. He is using the trials to maintain his fitness and compete alongside his teammates.
The Hunter’s fringe players have been undergoing trials with the Digicel Cup, starting with the Gulf Isou and looking forward to the upcoming trial with Hela Wigman at the Santos National Football Stadium today (Sunday, March 31st).
Hailing from Gumini District in the small village of Waramaril, Yanin, and the surrounding areas of Yaramaule, Max is a utility player in the Digicel Cup Competition, capable of playing in positions such as Lock, second Row, and Center in his rugby career.
“I prefer Centers more than second rower, but when I joined Gurias last year, I started playing as a Second Rower, and I found it to be a nice position for me,” he said.
The competition within the camp has been fierce for Max as he vies for positions with other talented players.
“It’s very challenging for us when everyone is competing for their position, but we just have to maintain our focus and keep doing our best while awaiting the coach’s call,” he said.
If Max doesn’t make it to the team, he has a backup plan with a team in the Digicel Cup that has expressed interest in him and signed him to play with them. However, if he secures a spot with the Hunters, he intends to stay and play with them.
Max’s passion for rugby league developed early in his life, starting from his fifth grade when he played rugby around Jiwaka. Despite skipping classes to watch rugby and play in league competitions, he managed to complete his grades 11 and 12 when he received an offer to join the train-on squad in Kimbe. Over the years, he played for various teams including Enga Mioks in 2021, Wagi Tumbe in 2022, and Gurias in 2023.
While Max has achieved some of his rugby dreams, he believes there is still more to accomplish. He remains dedicated to putting his best foot forward and eagerly anticipates the upcoming games.
