HULKING PNG Hunters prop Mark Mexico is set to sign one of the most improbable NRL deals after Andrew Johns discovered him during a promotional trip to Papua New Guinea.
Johns was wowed by the muscle-bound Mexico when he guest-coached the team at their Port Morseby base, snapping photos on his mobile phone and sending them to officials at the Manly Sea Eagles where he is an assistant coach.
Mexico has battled to recover from injury since but will be the Hunters’ enforcer against the Ipswich Jets today in a blockbuster clash west of Brisbane.
Johns was told to look out for props when he, Wally Lewis and John Gibbs, launched the Hunters season at gala event in Port Morseby six weeks ago.
Tim Lomai, Israel Eliab and Mark Mexico from the Papua New Guinea "Hunters".
Tim Lomai, Israel Eliab and Mark Mexico from the Papua New Guinea "Hunters". Source: News Corp Australia
Mexico’s injury halted an immediate offer being made as the Sea Eagles wanted to see him string several quality games together.
That mission continues today with Sea Eagles’ officials to request tape of the 23-year-old’s performance for the Hunters in Ipswich.
The Sea-Eagles are still searching for front-row depth following the retirement of Richie Fa’aoso and departure of George Rose, Joe Galuvao and Brent Kite.
Johns, the game’s greatest halfback, said Mexico was not the only NRL prospect in the Hunters.
“A couple of big forwards I saw in the Hunters are just made for the game,” he told The Sunday Mail.
Andrew Johns goes through some kicking drills with players from the "Hunters" at their Bo
Andrew Johns goes through some kicking drills with players from the "Hunters" at their Bomana base. Source: News Corp Australia
“They are raw but if they worked hard… who knows where they could go.
“They are physical and made for rugby league.
“Their physiques... I have experienced first-hand and it is like tackling granite.
“It is untapped there. The Hunters have given a pathway for PNG players.
“Who knows where this could lead.
“The sky is the limit. It is exciting for the Intrust Super Cup and Papua New Guinea that the Hunters have arrived.
“I remember we played PNG in Townsville and we beat them by 80 but from the kick off Gorden Tallis wound up and they picked him up and spear tackled his head into the ground.
“We just thought ‘Woah, what’s doing here’.”
Mark Mexico, Israel Eliab and Tim Lomai from the Papua New Guinea "Hunters".
Mark Mexico, Israel Eliab and Tim Lomai from the Papua New Guinea "Hunters". Source: News Corp Australia
If Mexico signs with the Sea Eagles as expected, he will be the second Hunter to be called up to the NRL after the Penrith Panthers plucked 19-year-old utility Wellington Albert during the pre-season.
Albert has already impressed during National Youth Competition games while his younger brother Stanton was called up to the Hunters’ squad last week.
The Hunters suffered their first loss of the year against the table-topping Northern Pride two weeks ago before drawing with reigning grand-finalists Easts Tigers.
They now have three wins, one loss and a draw in their debut season but the Jets will be daunting proposition for the competition’s cult-heroes.
Mexico is one of several Hunters with sensational names.
Their squad includes gems like Noel Joel and a play-maker whose first name is Tiger.
