Six Tackles: Best Papua New Guinea players to ever feature in Super League
Since we are welcoming a host of Papua New Guinea stars into Super League this year, we’ve taken a look at those who have previously been shining lights in the top-flight.
Papua New Guineans David Mead, Garry Lo, Wellington and Stanton Albert have moved to Catalans Dragons, Castleford Tigers and Widnes Vikings ahead of the 2018 Super League season.
And not to forget the late Kato Ottio, who tragically passed away before playing a game for Widnes.
Adrian Lam (Wigan Warriors)
Arguably the most famous name in our list, Lam had a stellar career in the NRL with Sydney Roosters for six years before moving to Wigan, scoring 42 tries in 146 games for the Roosters.
He arrived at Wigan in 2001 and spent four years at the Cherry and Whites, playing in the halves and at hooker. He crossed 44 times at the club in 119 games. He also has a son, Lachlan Lam, who scored two tries on his Kumuls debut at the 2017 World Cup!
Paul Aiton (Wakefield Trinity, Leeds Rhinos, Catalans Dragons)
The 32-year-old has been a Super League mainstay since 2012. He played for Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks before moving to Wakefield Trinity. He nearly made 50 appearances for the club before his move to Leeds Rhinos.
He spent two years at Headingley, playing 47 games. He was highly regarded at the club but decided to move to Catalans Dragons ahead of the 2016 campaign. He made 16 appearances for the Kumuls, hanging up his international boots following their World Cup quarter-final defeat to England.
Marcus Bai (Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls)
Everyone who has watched Super League since the early 2000s remembers Bai! He actually started his career Hull FC in 1997, but only made eight appearances before moving to the Gold Coast.
The rapid winger returned to Super League in 2004, enjoying a fine two years with Leeds Rhinos, scoring 42 tries in 59 games. He finished his career after spending a season with Bradford Bulls.
Jason Chan (Crusaders, Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR)
The 33-year-old was part of the Crusaders team that came into Super League in 2009, making 75 appearances for the Welsh outfit before they went defunct.
Chan then had a three-year spell at Huddersfield between 2012 and 2014, where he scored 11 tries in 63 games. The big second-rower played in the 2013 World Cup for the Kumuls and earned eight international call-ups.
Stanley Gene (Hull KR, Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls)
Gene played nearly every position on the field during his career! He played 111 games for Hull KR between 1996 and 2000, scoring an impressive 94 tries.
He then moved to local rivals Hull FC for a couple of seasons before becoming a popular character at Huddersfield Giants, scoring 27 tries in 76 appearances for the club. He then moved back to Rovers and finished his career for Championship club Halifax in 2010.
James Segeyaro (Leeds Rhinos)
He was only in Super League for a couple of months and some Leeds fans may begrudge us for including Segeyaro in the list but he revitalised the Rhinos when they were on their knees.
The hooker is a fantastic talent who enjoyed a fine 2017 season with Cronulla Sharks in the NRL. He was a stand-out for the Kumuls in their impressive World Cup campaign last year as well.
A special mention must go to former Salford and Leigh star John Wilshere who just missed out on being included in this list.
Also, we can’t forget Makali Aizue for Hull KR, Halifax, Dewsbury Rams and Doncaster or Jessie Joe Parker and Dion Aiye for Whitehaven. Menzie Yere has become part of the furniture at Sheffield Eagles, too.
Out of all of the new Papua New Guineans coming into Super League this year, who do you think has the potential to be included this list in future years? Let us know in the comments below.