Hunters gift Rop with captaincy role to celebrate 50th game

PNG Hunters raging prop Junior Rop will have the opportunity to lead the team against Ipswich Jets this weekend as he celebrates a 50th milestone achievement.

The Hunter no.71 was rewarded the leadership role in the absence of skipper Ila Alu for the round 16 Hostplus Cup clash at the North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday.

Head coach Paul Aiton said Rop deserved the call up as a token of appreciation for his leadership and maturity displayed, and that it was fitting for him to captain the team on his 50th game.

“I'm personally happy for him and hopefully we make his 50th (game) really special,” Aiton said.

“We've got two squads, and he led that young squad. He cemented his squad, and he keeps leading from the front, so he deserves a little captaincy.

“He had a slow start to the season but led from the front and has done everything right off the field and on the field.

“He had a few niggles and a few personal things that he had to go through, but he kept turning up in training.”

The hulking forward has had a seesawing rugby league career since his Hunters debut in 2019. Despite the odds faced in his rugby league career, Rop rose to be an important figure in Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.

His barnstorming hits made him a standout for the Lae Snax Tigers which eventually returned him into Hunters colors last season.

The Western Highlander remained positive and his patience to represent PNG in the trio colors paid off when he wore his first Kumul jumper in the Pacific Bowl Championships last year.

As Rop prepares to steer Hunters in hopes of a special reception, teammate Solo Wane said they’re aiming for a strong performance to dedicate the win to him.

“I think he's one of the most experienced players…He's the one leading the team and the boys look up to him,” Wane said.

“It's a privilege for some of the younger boys to play alongside him and for us to be in the squad with him. We look forward for a good game and hopefully we get the win.”