PNG’s youngest captain and Hostplus Cup Player of the Year, Judah Rimbu was honored and humbled to lead PNG in the annual Primer Minister’s XIII fixture, who went down to the Australian juggernauts in a high-scoring contest of 42-20 scoreline on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The little maestro was solid in the middle-third with his craftsmanship, scoring a solo try, making 34 tackles, and amassing over 50 running meters. He led the team by example around the pitch, barking orders and uplifting his teammates to stay in the fight.
Of all the equals in the squad who are capable of filling in the captaincy role, Rimbu expressed that he was privileged and thankful in getting the nod to skipper PNG against the formidable and exuberant Australian heavyweights.
“I was so excited and stoked when the coach said I would lead the team. It was my goal to lead the country one day, so I’m truly grateful that I’ve achieved that dream. I’m grateful and honored to lead the boys today. Glory and honor go back to the good Lord above,” Rimbu said.
“We stuck to the game plan in the first ten minutes, so that’s why we were able to score two tries and put pressure on Australia. However, we made some loose carries, didn’t complete our sets and failed to tidy up our ruck, so they took advantage of that and made us pay the price.”
Despite not defeating the invincible Australian pack, Rimbu said captaining PNG opened his eyes to see things in different perspectives. He appreciates the captaincy role and looks forward to competing alongside the Kumul in the Pacific Championships in Fiji on Saturday, October 19th, 2024.
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