NO one in Group 10 has bustled better than Orange CYMS backrower Larsen Marabe this season.
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Eyeing off a place in the Papua New Guinea squad for the 2017 World Cup, the 30-year-old has been stunning for the defending champions so far in 2016.
Through a combination of brut strength and international experience, the Kumuls hopeful has been one of the catalysts behind CYMS' charge to a minor premiership this season.
After initially linking with CYMS for 2012 and then again in 2015 before being forced to head home to Port Moresby after his father’s passing, Marabe’s return this season has been a welcome one.
His short but powerful stride has led to a number of line breaks, something Marabe is banking on being a feature of CYMS’ play during Sunday’s huge clash with Mudgee at Wade Park.
“Last year I came back but had to go back home,” Marabe said.
“This year I said ‘Nah, I don’t want to let my friends down’, so I’ve come back to complete the season thanks to Kingy and Charlie (Matt King and his wife Charlie).
“I love the people in Orange, especially Kingy and his wife Charlie. They’ve been my good friends since I was here in 2012.”
From the Papua New Guinea highlands near Port Moresby, Marabe was part of the CYMS side that was thumped in the 2012 grand final in Lithgow and obviously missed last year’s decider triumph despite originally committing to play the season in Group 10.
“This year is going to be the year for us,” he smiled.
“It’s going to be a good season.”
Marabe says he has enjoying linking with halfback and captain-coach Mick Sullivan on CYMS’ left side, but a switch has meant five-eighth Dom Maley now runs Marabe’s edge.
“Dom is pretty good. I play with him in 2012. He’s a good ball runner … but he’s too fast for me,” Marabe smiled.
“It’s a big game for us (against Mudgee). Our forwards need to step it up and complete our sets.
“I got some of the fans cheering for me. I’ve been playing good football, scoring doubles, singles every weekend.
“Looking forward to a couple of tries this weekend against Mudgee.”
CYMS and Mudgee go head-to-head from 10.30am with the league tag. Premier league kicks-off at 2pm.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
