News from the Papua New Guinea Kumuls fb page
BRADFORD Bulls bound Papua New Guinea rugby league forward Mark Mexico is desperate to have his visa requirements cleared before the English Super League season starts next month.
“I am just waiting until February and that is when Super League season starts.
“It is the PNG immigration which is delaying my visa approval,” the Kumuls World Cup forward said yesterday.
“I have fixed all my requirements but am waiting for PNG immigration.”
He sent an urgent plea to Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko to step in and help “because it is through politics and I know political power will get me through”.
However he is not the only PNG player, who has attracted interest from English clubs and still stranded at home because of visa issues.
Francis Paniu and Enoch Maki, signed up by Hull Kingston Rovers during the World Cup, are facing similar problems. Another Kumul Larsen Marape, who has been linked to Whitehaven, is still in the country awaiting a visa.
“So instead of waiting for things to happen and getting worried, I’m in the Q-Cup training team to keep myself fit while waiting for PNG Immigration to send me the visa requirements to complete,” Mexico said at the Hunters’ training camp in Bomana.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses the English language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication.
“It is a requirement from UK (United Kingdom) that I complete an English test to accomplish my English speaking skills, because under my contract with Bradford Bulls, I will be working and playing at the same time.
“I have the other requirements done but I am waiting for the PNG immigrations regarding the English test. “I’m keeping myself fit and staying positive that things will work out eventually, say probably next month everything should be okay.”