Former World kickboxing champion joins Mt Hagen Eagles Source: Sunday Chronicle Newspaper PNG’s armature Kickboxing World title champion in the 76kilo division Andy ‘the Black Panther’ Sam has switched code to rugby league. Sam’s switch to rugby league was done long time ago due to his love for that code when growing up in Mt Hagen. Sam from Kagua/Erave district in the Southern Highlands Province was a no nonsense puncher who is more deadly in the kickboxing ring with his powerful punches and kick but this will not be anymore as he runs at the lock forward position for the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles at the Kundiawa’s Dickson Oval today for its debut run against the TNA Lions. Sam is not to rugby league as well when he played for the Mendi Black for PRK Mendi Muruks selection trial early this year. The Karanda Kepi (village name) product who rose from the highest level in Kickboxing arena quickly made progress of the level of commitment he has had with his respective club and his performance week in and out has caught the attention of Eagle’s mentors including former PNG Kumul greats James Kops and David Gomia. Sam also stood out for team Erave in the CIVPAC sponsored tournament in Mendi early this year but was overlooked by the Muruks selectors making it a mockery of its selection process dumping potential star five eight David Joseph as well as Sam – both players were the stand out for team Erave and Mendi Black. Sam when asked about this didn’t want to comment as he was looking forward to play for his home team Eagles. “ I was raised here in Mt Hagen. I grew up here and it’s been a home to many of us and representing them in such semi professional competition is a bonus and I thank the coaching staff and the selection panel for having trust in me,” Sam said. Sam like current PNG SP Hunters prop Timothy Lomai will blend in well and is sure to rise up to the highest level. He (Sam) will be playing at the lock forward position today against the TNA Lions at the Dickson’s Oval in Kundiawa.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 22:19:00 +0000
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