Haro rises from Kaugere to Hunters

By The National Newspaper Sports Reporters

IT was in the mid-2000s when a young boy from the once known notorious Kaugere suburb spent most of his weekends on the sidelines of Kaugere Oval.

Shane Haro would carry his uncles’ boots on one hand and a bucket of sand on the other hand and watch his uncles play.

Whatever the weather, that boy was driven by rugby league and all his family and friends knew it.

Recalling those days, Haro, now 22, loved it, he was passionate about the sport and would look forward to every weekend, rugby league was a dream growing up, no doubt about that.

Today, the Gulf man is among the PNG Hunters 32-man train-on squad gearing up for the 2019 Queensland Cup season.

After a stint with the Port Moresby Vipers in the Digicel Cup last year, Haro’s speed and agility as a utility back caught the attention of coach Michael Marum and he was drafted into the Hunters programme last December.

The departure of backs Edene Gabbie and Stargroth Amean for the Hunters has opened the door for a player like Haro.

“When I was little I dreamed of playing for the Kumuls one day and I’m still chasing that,” Haro said.

“I haven’t made the final cut yet but I’m happy to come this far in the Hunters squad and I’m doing all I can to make it.”

Making the Hunters squad was not only an achievement for Haro but a proud moment for his family.

“I am very happy that my family is supportive toward me especially my parents,” he added

“My uncles like Robert Haro, Owen Haro and Joe Mirisa played back in their day and I guess they’re proud to see me come this far.”

Haro has described the Hunters training programme as tougher than what he’s used to at the local league and Digicel Cup level.

“Hunters training is tough. It’s something I’ve never experienced before.

“I have my goals but I can’t say them now because I have to put in the hard work first.

Haro’s uncle Owen said the family was hoping Shane would make it. “Seeing him grow up with rugby league and come this far is great and we wish him the best,” Owen said.

Source: The National Newspaper, Friday 08 February 2019
Link: https://www.thenational.com.pg/haro-rises-from-kaugere-to-hunters/