Former PNG Kumul’s star and NRL premiership winner Marcus Bai is calling on parents and guardians to take an active role in nurturing young talent through existing pathways now available.
Speaking passionately, Bai reflected on his own journey, emphasizing the stark contrast between his playing days and the present.
“Playing during our time, nobody was there for us, we did it ourselves,” Bai stated. “But now, the government is. The Prime Minister has now set up that forum, they set up the Hunters, it is another bridge.”
He stressed that these initiatives, including the SP PNG Hunters, are creating pathways for young talent that simply didn’t exist before.
Bai directly challenged fathers to re-evaluate their priorities, stating, “If I was a parent now, I’d be looking at these interviews and the news and say, right, we can help. No fathers, stop what they’re doing, drinking every night or drinking every Friday, put some effort in your kids if you want your son or your daughter to be a superstar later.”
He shared a personal story about his own father initially doubting the potential of sports, only to witness, Bai lifting the NRL trophy in 1999.
“It tells everybody, don’t worry about everything in the village, go and do what Mark has already done,” he urged.
According to Bai, the responsibility is now on parents to capitalize on these advancements.
“There’s so many bridges that the government built for us and we need to take it on board. The government doesn’t fail, the parents, we fail to encourage our young girls and boys to be able to participate, to grab the opportunity,” said Bai.
He cited Justin Olam’s remarkable journey to the NRL as a prime example of what’s achievable, “after 16 years after me, he came in and went all the way.”
Looking ahead, Bai envisions a future where top-tier rugby league is played on home soil.
“In five or six years’ time, it won’t be over there, it’ll be here, right here on our own shores. They’ll be playing every second week, every second week here and the parents, the grandparents will be watching them live, not taking a plane to Australia to go and watch a game.”
He also anticipates the presence of heroes from other NRL clubs, inspiring local talent.
Bai concluded with a powerful message of empowerment: “There’s plenty of opportunities for young boys and girls and it’s up to them to take it. They don’t take it, they’re the losers and we lose as well.”
However, he remains optimistic, having witnessed the burgeoning talent and competitiveness in regions like Kainantu and Goroka.
“There’s too many young boys and girls playing rugby. I’ve seen it. So many young boys and girls taking those opportunities and we encourage them and work hard, there’s nothing else.”
He firmly believes that with hard work, talent will ultimately lead to success.