The Lae Snax Tigers fullback Douglas David is soaking all experiences in after being named in the SP PNG Hunters preseason extended squad.
The young lad, originally from Southern Highlands, said it was every kid's dream to wear the PNG Hunters and Kumuls jersey, and to be in the preseason squad meant a lot for him.
“It's a dream come true for me. Training has been really tough since the preseason started last year, but I am grateful for this opportunity and just giving my best each day and week,” he said.
“It’s also a learning curve for me, learning new things at this level through the coaches and senior players, which I haven’t come across while playing in the Digicel-Exxon Mobil Cup competition.”
David, who will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business Management at the University of Technology (UOT) this April, said he had drawn a lot of inspiration from his seniors Roderick Tai and Robert Mathias, who came through a similar pathway.
“I’ve drawn inspiration from my big brothers Roderick Tai and Robert Mathias, who came through the Lae Snax Tigers while studying at UOT,” David said.
“They graduated and went on to play for the Hunters, then made their mark wearing the PNG Kumuls jersey.”
David said his footy career started in Mt Hagen, where he was born and raised in the Hospital Compound. His mum currently works as a nurse at the Mt. Hagen General Hospital.
“This is where I started playing for my local club (Hagen Medics). However, due to studies, I left to pursue my education at UOT, that’s where I joined the East Taraka Spiders and played while studying,” he explained.
He said in 2021, he returned home and traveled with his Hagen Medics team that competed at the SHP 9s tournament in Mendi. His first official semi-pro deal was struck when he got scouted by the PRK Mendi Muruks.
“Following the SHP 9s, I was selected to play for the Mendi Muruks in the 2022 season, which was great. However, due to studies again, I had to make a tough decision to return to Lae and switch clubs as well,” David added.
“The Tigers were supportive of my education and rugby league journey so far, having played two seasons (2023-24) and finally getting that recognition to join the Hunters preseason camp.”
David said rubbing shoulders with senior players like Morea Morea and Sanny Wabo in the fullback position was a tough move, but he is willing to go the hard yards to learn from the best as he looks forward to another rugby league season.
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