Hard-hitting prop Sylvester Namo has put a career of caring on hold to inflict pain instead. The Papua New Guinea front-row had been preparing to join the medical profession before getting a shot in the Queensland Cup.
And now, just a few years later, he’s travelled across the world after taking up a deal with Castleford. Namo, 23, said: “I was going to be a nurse. I was doing my studies back home and was about to do my nursing when I got the call from SP [PNG] Hunters to join them [in 2021]. Because of that, I couldn’t do it as I went to the Gold Coast, stayed there for two years and then I moved to Townsville last season. When I go back home I will complete my studies. I will be a nurse. But I’m looking forward to life at Cas’ first."
Namo, who spent last season playing for North Queensland’s reserve grade, is currently nursing his own injury so won’t be ready for the Super League kick-off against Wigan on Saturday week. But he should be fit next month and hopes to eventually follow the lead of fellow PNG star Edwin Ipape, the brilliant hooker who starred with Leigh last year, winning the Challenge Cup and a Dream Team spot.
“I speak to Edwin a lot,” said Namo. “He’s like a big brother to me. We both made our Test debut together and then he moved here. He had a massive season last year. I’ll be aiming for that here.”
On his time with the Cowboys, he added: “I was happy up there. Playing with some of their top players and letting them teach me their skills and talents. I was really happy to stay the whole year. It means I can come here and smash it. It’s a big move. From PNG to Australia it’s closer. But this is obviously the other side of the world. I’m so happy to do it, though. The boys are great. And I’m getting used to the cold now!”
Namo has been joined at Castleford by fellow PNG international Nixon Putt for 2024. They will bid to become the latest Kumuls stars to shine in Super League after the likes of Adrian Lam, Stanley Gene and Rhyse Martin.
