Eighteen-year-old Mono Mutrus brothers fullback Francis Albert Kope is fast becoming a player to rely on when it comes to deciding the outcome of close matches.
Raised by his self-employed Engan parents in a suburban settlement in Holola, NCD, Kope said his only way out to a good life is education and rugby league.
“My body is my resource.
“So, I will have to look after it, eat and sleep on time and concentrate on rugby,” Kope said.
Currently doing his grade 10 studies at Kaugere High school in Moresby South, there are only two things that he always tries to commit himself to.
One is education and the other is rugby league.
However, whether it be a big competition or a casual fun game on a rocky surface, a game of rugby league is something Kope is always pre-occupied with.
“I come from an average family background, migrating down to Port Moresby from Wabag, Wild West, Surinki Enga Province for a better life,” Kope said.
He said he admires how PNG Hunters fullback Morea Morea Junior plays and aspires to be like him and even go as far as Justin Olam in the NRL.
A journey that is currently a dream that he has firmly set his eyes on to one day to make it a reality.
“Seeing Morea Morea Junior and Justin Olam I want to be like them and follow in their footsteps that is why I’m concentrating on my rugby league.”
Kope started playing for Brothers at fullback in the B grade and is now a mainstay in the A grade under Tonny Killi’s leadership.
He was exceptional in their recently concluded Rigo Rice Cup that saw his team win the first leg of the series and walk away with the K10, 000 prizemoney and Gold Pass to compete in the top 12 race for K200,000 cash prize.
In their 12-6 win over D8 Mosquitos at the Bava Park last Sunday, Kope played with no reservations, giving all he got for his team with his undulating speed and footwork.
He took his chances, involved in tackles and opening up space with his dancing feet that gave his opponents a hard time to handle before sealing off his performance with the winning try under the posts.
Kope now looks forward to March when the newly established Rigo Rice Cup moves into the top 12.
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