Ialibu league product makes much awaited debut

AFTER being on the fringe in the Goroka Lahanis squad, Boggi James finally made his debut during the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup round 11 match against Mt Hagen Eagles last month.
James has been in and out of several intercity teams in EMK Sepik Pride and Gulf Isou but has never got an opportunity to make his debut.
The utility hooker/halves only played trial matches with the intercity teams but to eventually get a run in a team that is competing in a regular round was an experience that was worth his time and dedication.
James, who is a product of Ialibu Rugby League in Southern Highlands, told The National on Friday that he was grateful to the Lahanis club for giving him the opportunity this season.

“I’ve been with a number of clubs over in the last four years but I’m grateful that the Lahanis gave me the opportunity to showcase myself,” James said.
“To debut in Minj against Mt Hagen Eagles at their turf was memorable and it was a tough game too. It would have been even better feeling if we had won but unfortunately we lost in that game.
“Despite the result I was happy to come off the bench as a utility and played alongside experienced players like Charlie Buka, Terry Wapi and other senior players in the team. To play against some popular players in the Eagles team was also a great challenge and just great experience.”
James said his goal was to continue training hard and hope for more opportunities to play more games in the remainder of the season. The Bintangor-sponsored side played against Port Moresby Vipers in the round 12 match at the National Sports Institute in Goroka on Sunday.
James was only named on the extended bench at No.19 and didn’t take the field.