PAPUA New Guinea’s emerging hockey talent Steven Malaburgh is grabbing every opportunity with a hope to secure his spot in the U21 Mens Hockey national team ahead of qualifiers next year.

The 19-year-old from Chimbu and Central was named among 45-men extended squad to prepare for the 2025 Oceania Junior World Cup qualifier to be hosted in Auckland, New Zealand in January.

“I started playing hockey in 2022 when I was only 17 years old as a forward with the Slayors hockey Club and drew a big interest in becoming a seasoned player.”

Currently attending Don Bosco Technical School as a Grade 11 student, transitioned into the space of a goaltender (Goalie) and had his first grand final appearance with the Blaze Hockey Club within Port Moresby Hockey Association’s competition.

He said prior to joining Hockey he played other codes including AFL, Rugby, Football and Basketball.

“I played other sports but since I started playing hockey I called in quits and had to focus one sport.”
“The feeling of playing on the Hockey Turf is very difficult because the turf’s always wet and slippery but playing gives me joy. I’ve also learnt to adapt and manage to handle the situation whenever I’m playing.”

Malaburgh dreams of representing his country drawing inspiration from PNG’s home grown NRL Star Justin Olam and also PNG Hockey (Kwilas) Goal Keeper Yahee Kusunan.

“I draw inspiration from Yahee Kusunan within the code because of his performance on the Turf. My goal is to represent my country one day at the international stage.”

“My massage to other young talented hockey players like me out there is to keep playing hockey, stay disciplined and committed, Hard work beats talent,” he added.

Meanwhile the U21 PNG Mens (Jnr Kwilas) continue their preparations with only two months left before the qualifiers in New Zealand.