Jacob Alick will be playing in memory of his grandmother when he pulls on the PNG LNG Kumuls jersey for the first time on Saturday in the Pacific Test against Fiji.
“It will be a very proud moment for myself and my family, just to represent my grandmother,” the 22-year-old told PNG Kumuls media. “She was born in Daru but she passed away maybe 10 years ago now, so I didn’t really get to grow up too much with my PNG culture.
“So, for me, this week is about learning a lot about the culture. I’m looking forward to learning a bit of the language (TokPisin). I hear the boys talking over lunch, so it would be cool to pick up more words. I’d also like to learn a bit more about where I’m from. A couple of the boys here know about where I’m from, so I’ll just be asking questions and trying to get to know a bit more about PNG overall.”
Alick, who is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2023, has not yet set foot in PNG but is hoping to do so later this year.
He said: “I’ve seen a lot of videos of how crazy they go when the footy is on, so it’ll be cool to get over there. “It’s a massive opportunity being selected for the Kumuls in a World Cup year. I’m looking to put my best foot forward for the end of the year for the Rugby League World Cup. To be there would be the pinnacle for me.”