Chan enjoying time in Papua New Guinea fold

Celtic Crusaders forward Jason Chan is enjoying playing for Papua New Guinea as they bid to win the Pacific Cup this Autumn.

“I’ve been in camp for a bit over two and a half weeks. The training is really tough and it makes it harder in the heat and high humidity, it’s nearly 30-35 degrees every day,” he said.

“I love being back in PNG. The support here is massive. Rugby league is its national sport so they really support us here and look after us so well. It’s also good to get to catch up with a lot of family and see some of the beautiful areas of my home country.”

Chan, who will return back to the Crusaders fold under new boss Brian Noble at the end of November, is joined in the squad by Salford’s John Wilshere, Menzies Yere of Sheffield and Hunslet’s Charlie Wabo.

And he was part of an International Kumuls side who overcame a Papua New Guinea resident’s side, scoring a try and winning the man-of-the-match in the process.

“We played the game in Mount Hagan and there was a crowd of 10,000,” Chan adds. “The fans were everywhere, there wasn’t a space free in the stands. I got a try before half-time and ended up with Man of the Match.

“It felt great to talk in front of all the supporters, sponsors and players and tell them how honoured I was to be there and play for Papua New Guinea.”

Papua New Guinea will face Tonga on Sunday, whilst Cook Islands – who shocked Samoa 22-20 last Sunday – entertain Fiji in the opening match on Saturday.