FORMER Hela Wigmen prop Valentine Culligan will join comrades Nixon Putt, Zev John, Samuel Yegip and Bob Tenza as they look to build a strong Papua New Guinean presence in the Central Queensland Capras side for 2023 Hostplus Cup.
Culligan had a preseason stint with the Hunters but missed out on making the final cut for the third consecutive year.
However his pursuit of making the second tier competition (Queensland Cup) is closer to reality with the Rockhampton-based club following the trial match over the weekend.
“It’s really an awesome moment for me,” the two-time Kroton-sponsored Wigmen premiership captain said after the trial against Hunters on Saturday at the National Football Stadium.
“I always wanted to play in the Intrust Super Cup (now Hostplus Cup) for the Hunters or even in one of the clubs in the competition.
“It was just a dream and it’s coming to reality and I’m happy about it and with the way I’ve progressed so far.”
The Western Highlander has been one of the consistent performers in the country’s semi-professional league, Digicel Cup, and was initially named in Hunters train-on squads since 2020.
Despite missing out on the Hunters final squads on two occasions, Culligan delivered Wigmen’s second premiership title last year.
With all that he had learnt under coach Stanley Tepend and Paul Aiton during the preseason, he is looking forward to a fruitful season with Capras. He said he would join his new club once his visa is granted.
“Due to visa issues I’m just waiting for it to be approved and hopefully by next week I should be down there,” Culligan said.
“I’m looking forward to a big season with the Capras….still learning and working on things which need to be polished up.
“Hopefully, I’ll get on well and do better with the Capras when I join them.”
Meanwhile, Capras head coach Lionel Harbin was pleased with his PNG players and the way they performed in the trial which his side won 20-12.
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