RELAXED: Larsen Marabe will line up for Papua New Guinea against the Australian Prime Minister's XIII just a week after playing for CYMS in the Group 10 grand final. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0914sgleague
THERE’S not a footballer in the whole of Country Rugby League with a busier schedule over the next week than Orange CYMS backrower Larsen Marabe, but the likeable Kumul says he is “just relaxed.”
Marabe will start for Papua New Guinea against the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII on September 23 at Port Morsbey, just a week after playing in the green and golds’ title defence at Lithgow tomorrow.
Very few Group 10 players, if any, have played for their country a week after running out in the grand final.
Marabe, though, is lapping it up.
A week after scoring three tries in CYMS’ 42-12 preliminary final win over Bathurst St Pat’s - all on his 27th birthday - Marabe says he is looking forward to the challenges.
“I’m confident. Just relaxed,” Marabe said.
“The Aussies have a strong side. Scott Prince, (Michael) Jennings and Chris Lawrence, all those guys make a good Aussie side.”
But first up, before Marabe takes on some of the best rugby league players in the world, he has to face the best Lithgow has to offer.
CYMS tackle Workies in the Group 10 grand final tomorrow at Tony Luchetti Sportsground.
The hard-hitting Nathan Hindmarsh fan has a mixed record in grand finals with his home side of Agmark Rabaul Gurias, winning two from three on the big day, but was confident of coming away with a win on Sunday.
“We played a couple of times. In Lithgow we lost (32-24 in the major semi-final), we were close, but I think this time we are going to get into them and win the game,” he said.
“Our boys have been going good at our training sessions this week. Lithgow should have a big crowd, but a lot of people from Orange going down as well.
“I think we’re looking forward to the game.”
Whatever the result tomorrow, Marabe said he was keen to extend his stay in Australia, preferably with CYMS.
He said the club has welcomed him with open arms.
“Last Sunday I celebrated with three tries on my birthday. I didn’t have anything to celebrate but after the game we had a few beers,” Marabe said smiling.
“All the Orange boys are good to me, it’s been good out here.”