Manuma Embraces Challenge

Emerging rugby league prospect, Vane Manuma, sets his sights on learning and developing his game with the SP PNG Hunters in the pre-season training, which started last week.

Manuma, hailing from Aroma in the Abau District of Central Province, began his rugby league career back in the village and blossomed into a promising talent. 

Young Manuma’s dad sadly passed away when he was 12 years old. Growing up, he looked up to his elder brother, who was a former rugby league player, drawing inspiration from him to pursue the 13-men code. 

He was scouted by the Central Dabaris two years ago and played for the Dabaris' development pathway, making his way up the ranks before reaching the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup competition in the 2024 season.

The towering forward, measuring 119cm, has had an incredible season with the Central Dabaris this year, debuting for the Dabaris in round 8 against the Lae Snax Tigers. His stellar season with the Dabaris has earned him a spot in the Hunters' pre-season train-on squad.

The 19-year-old expressed that he anticipated a grueling off-season and would give his best to make the final 30-men squad before the 2025 Queensland Hostplus Cup kicks off. 

“I am thankful to have an opportunity to train with the Hunters. I am very proud and my family is happy as well. I will train hard and try to make the final team,” Manuma said. 

Interestingly, the soft-spoken lad made his debut for the Junior Kumuls in the curtain-raiser match of the Prime Minister’s XIII match in October and learned some things from his teammates. 

“I was humbled and honored to play for the Junior Kumuls. I learned a lot from my teammates. They taught me some things that I didn’t know, so I’m thankful for the experience,” said Manuma.

The Aroma native looks forward to the pre-season challenge and hopes to cement a spot for the Hunters next season while aiming to have a crack in the NRL in the future.