Six young Papua New Guinea pathways players set to shock the NRL and NRLW in years to come

With Papua New Guinea’s NRL bid in full swing, the nation’s top emerging rugby league talent is on display and there are a number of names worth remembering. Here are six young PNG pathways guns poised to be rugby league stars in Australia.

Meet Fittler Jim, the rising PNG backrower named after his family’s rugby league hero.

Fittler, 19, has been showing the same skills as his namesake — Brad ‘Freddie’ Fittler — while representing New Guinea Islands in the NRL PNG Bid Championship in Goroka.

He leads an all-star cast of rising stars ready to shock and rock the NRL and NRLW within the next three to five years.

Small but fearless, Fittler was named by his 32-year-old brother, Basi, in honour of Fittler, the former Panthers, Roosters, NSW and Kangaroos legend.

PNG’s Fittler also supports the team where Brad played between 1996 and 2004, the Roosters.

“My older brother named me after (Brad),” Fittler said. “Basi is a Blues fan and his favourite player was Fittler. I am proud of my first name. I love my name and I really wanted my name.

“I didn’t see Brad play, I was too small but my brother saw him and said he would play well so I was named after him. (I have watched Brad play on video) and I think he was incredible.

Exciting PNG youngster Fittler Jim. Picture: Mathias Yoba

“I love the Roosters, they communicate and play very well. My mum and dad also love rugby league. I love to play hard and tough.”

Fittler now harbours a desire to play with a PNG side in the NRL.

“That would be my dream. My whole life I have been waiting to play in the NRL,” Fittler said. “I will try my best to play in the NRL.”

Fittler, who has played rugby league all his life, is one of multiple rising champions ready to burst into the NRL and NRLW competitions.

This masthead can reveal the six young PNG pathways guns poised to be rugby league stars in Australia:

– Keven Yako is an 18-year-old centre with the Enga Mioks. He has already played two years of first grade and has constructed a reputation for his bulldozing runs. He scored two tries in last year’s grand final.

PNG up and comer Keven Yako

– Finley Glare captained the Junior Kumuls as a 19-year-old and represented Lae Tigers last year before joining the PNG Hunters. He is known for his deception, speed and creativity out of dummy half. His playing style has been compared to South Sydney’s Damien Cook. He is a captain-in-waiting.

Finley Glare

– Kugla Kuei is a tall centre and fullback from Simbu and now playing for Port Moresby Central. She is completing her schooling in Port Moresby. Kuei is a great attacking player with a wonderful attitude on and off the field.

– Kafe Renson is a forward from Mount Hagen who is completing his final year at school. Former Raiders and Kumuls forward David Westley, who heads up PNG coaching and development, said: “He has a huge motor, is very strong defensively and can play in the middle and on an edge.”

– Paulina Talin is from Port Moresby. She is an academy top performer who plays lock and is seen as a future Junior Orchids player. She is known for her aggressive defence while also a strong ball runner who is prepared to take the tough carries.

PNG emerging talent Paulina Talin

– Jehlove Oeka is a fullback from Central Province who is renowned for her aggressiveness on the field. She is relentless with one official claiming her “intensity and passion sets her apart in every game.”

PNG up and comer Jehlove Oeka

“The opportunity for our young people, male and female, to receive skill development at the Australian standards, complimented by their physicality, will create future stars of the NRL,” said former grand final referee Tony Archer, now PNG general manager of pathways and performance.

“Not only are they receiving on-field education, it’s about them developing as the youth of this country through the unity that rugby league creates.”