ULALOM DETERMINED TO MAKE HUNTERS FINAL SQUAD

By Benjamin KOITAKA

FRESH kid out of the Rabaul Gurias’ nest Himson Ulalom is not only enjoying his time in the PNG Hunters preseason train-and-trail training but making the most out, given the opportunity to rub shoulders with senior and experience players within the camp.

While softspoken Toma Villager’s future still hangs on the air with head coach Paul Aiton yet to announce the final squad, that does not bother him to continue to learn as many as he could to blend his craft.

Hailed from the Gazelle’s Toma Vanadidir district in the East New Britain, the 24-year-old Ulalom’s journey in the rugby league is short yet decorated with pinned of success stories, having debuted for Gurias in the last Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup season and drafted into the Hunters preseason.

Meanwhile, few grey areas needed to polish up to fulfill and convince the coaching team for a top-30 spot, the specialist prop is here with purpose, hope and determination to get there.

Drawing inspirations from his first cousin and former Hunters backs versality Roy Elision, in which Ulalom himself admitted it was once Mendi Muruks and Gurias fullback Elision that influenced his focus into the code.

Ulalom is now into the second block of the training and hoping to make the final squad before the Queensland Hostplus Cup competition resumes in March.

“I’m giving my best to be there,” UIalom told media today.

“If I’m not able to make the final team, I’m happy to go back to my club, Gurias and work on those areas and comeback strong and better.

“I’m ready to bring these skills back to my club to teach the young ones coming up.”

Hunters assistant coach Enock Maki also credited the new recruits for their relentless efforts, throughout the past few weeks.

Picture Caption: Himson Ulalom during PNG Hunters preseason train-and-trail training today.