Paraka signs contract with Super Rugby franchise, Queensland Reds

This is Papua New Guinean Pettowa Paraka’s chance to secure a career in professional rugby union after the 21-year-old signed a one-year contract with Super Rugby franchise, the Queensland Reds last week.

Paraka yesterday described his excitement at being included in the Queensland Reds elite development squad for the 2015 season because he had been given another chance to break into the starting 23 after twice being named on the bench but not used in 2014.

The Baiyer River, Western Highlands native is on holidays in Port Moresby with his other siblings, all of whom have aspirations to represent the country.

Fifteen-year-old swimmer Shanice, field athlete Debono, 24, and sevens player Derek, 23, are the other talented members of the Paraka family.

Paraka convinced the Reds management to retain him after a barnstorming performance for Brisbane City against the Perth Spirit in the National Rugby Championships final.

The 118kg, 179cm, loose-head prop, Paraka, sunk the Spirit with a two-try burst that delivered Brisbane a 37-27 victory over Perth in the inaugural Australian top-tier club rugby competition.

Flanked by his other siblings, Debono (athletics), Shanice (Swimming), Derek (rugby) and Devonte (rugby), Pettowa told The National that he was excited about the news.

Pettowa had a slow but steady rise in the game. He grew up playing after serving his apprenticeship with Queensland Schoolboys, Australian Schoolboys, Reds U20s, Reds A and the Australia U20s (Junior Wallabies) teams from 2010.

After three seasons with Easts Tigers, Paraka featured prominently in their 2013 premiership.

Renowned across the Queensland Premier Rugby competition for his effective scrummaging and high carry rate in attack, Paraka was a member of the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2011 and the Reds A team that participated in the Pacific Nations Cup earlier this year, in which he started all four matches.

He has been part of the Junior Wallabies squad on two World Cups in South Africa (2012) and France (2013). 

“I was quite surprise at first after not being told of anything after the National Rugby Championships in November,” Paraka said.

Paraka received the best Christmas gift after being told by Reds coach Richard Graham to return to Australia for pre-season training which starts on Friday. Paraka said he had some words of advice and support from country men in Reds vice-captain Will Genia and utility back Aidan Toua.

“I was excited about the news. 

“I had some encouragement from Will (Genia) and Aidan (Toua). 

“Both of them are in the starting 23 so it was good to get their support,” Paraka said.

The turning point for Paraka’s career was when he starred by scoring two tries to help his Brisbane City to beat Perth Spirit.

Graham commended Paraka and all the players for their work throughout the season and for their contributions throughout Super Rugby, Queensland Premier Rugby and the National Rugby Championship.

Paraka will be targeting two remaining spots in the Reds’ 2015 Super Rugby squad, with Graham targeting a prop and an outside back for the final positions. 

With Greg Holmes and Ben Daley — both former Wallabies — the two first choice loose-heads, Paraka will be hoping to impress Graham with any opportunity given during the Super Rugby season — which starts on February 13, with the Reds taking on the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.