19 hours Ago By Simon Keslep
THEY were a team and together they enjoyed special moments in NRL. This is how Justin Olam’s manager David Rawlings reflected on the journey of the Papua New Guinea star when they initially met when he signed up with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup competition in 2017. Rawlings said: “A scout had seen Juzzy (Olam) after he started playing with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
“I went up to watch a few of his early games there and kept a close-eye on his progress. “Week after week he topped the attacking statistics with his strong ball running and post-contact metres. “I could see his potential and flew to Melbourne to meet with him.
” “He was extremely humble and also very driven and ambitious to succeed...
that’s how our relationship started,” said Rawlings. He said at the moment the PNG international is focusing on spending time with family. “At the moment he certainly wants to enjoy some time with his baby son and partner in Melbourne,” he added.
“He (Olam) has some work opportunities both in PNG and in Australia and will make his decision on where to next in due course. “Now is the time for him to reflect on his wonderful career.” Winning the 2020 NRL premiership with Melbourne Storm and the Dally M Centre of the Year award (2021) as well as playing representative football with the PNG Kumuls are some of the memorable achievements that Rawlings highlighted.
“The pride and determination he and his brothers (PNG Kumuls) showed in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in UK, in particular up against the star-studded Tongan team and only lost by a try in the 78th minute. “I was there for the game and the whole stadium was cheering for PNG, it was very special,” adds Rawlings. “I also travelled to PNG for the first time with Juzzy some years ago and that to me was a highlight of our friendship, being able to share in his culture and customs.
“That initial trip showed me that some of the most beautiful places and beautiful people in the world are in PNG and I’ve been visiting here ever since,” said Rawlings. He said it is difficult to articulate to the people what Juzzy means to PNG. “I’ve seen it first-hand when we travel together to PNG and it is remarkable.
“His influence and support are greater than any player in Australia. “The whole country is behind him, he has made his family and the people of PNG so proud.” Rawlings further said Olam has provided a great road map given he studied hard at school and University and simultaneously continued to develop his rugby league skills through hard work and discipline.
He said PNG has a lot of rugby league talent. “Those attributes combined are the first steps for any aspiring player. “Young players in particular need to focus on their education and discipline, not rugby league in isolation.
“There is some immense talent in PNG and the new PNG rugby league pathway systems in the schools and local communities will help to nurture that. “I have no doubt in time there will be plenty more PNG players in the NRL,” said Rawlings. Rawlings has been working in the NRL business as a player manager for 10 years.
“We look after a number of elite NRL players like Angus Crichton, Terrell May, Taniela Paseka, Murray Taulagi to name a few and also a number of clients in rugby union in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the UK and Europe. “Our agency has also been working with the PNG Tourism Authority to support the development of the Sport Tourism sector which is an integral part of PNG’s economic growth as the country prepares to host its own NRL team in 2028,” added Rawlings..
