Sharks sign PNG Hunters prop Mark Mexico

Contrary to news reports linking him to a rival club, 25-year-old Papua New Guinea front rower Mark Mexico has joined the Sharks for the 2014 season.

His contract with the Sharks is for 2014 with an option to remain at the club in 2015.

Mexico, who has been playing for the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup during the early weeks of the season, signed his new contract and attended Sharks training today.

Not wanting to waste a minute of his exciting opportunity, the 106kg Mexico ran fitness drills and ball work with his new teammates and impressed all with his physical attributes and attitude.

The new recruit will begin his Sharks career in the NSW Cup but if the reports as to his ability are accurate, Mexico could potentially press for NRL selection in the weeks ahead.

Excited about the chance to one day play in the NRL, Mexico was eagerly anticipating what the weeks ahead might bring, while encouraging his PNG Hunters teammates to also work towards similar opportunities at the highest level of the game.

“I am looking forward to the challenge with the Sharks and will give it my absolute best,” Mexico said. “I will still be following the boys and the Hunters keenly and I hope a few more can also step up to the NRL ranks.”

Mexico will be monitored during the week as to the possibility of him running out with the Sharks NSW Cup team on Sunday, with coach Peter Sharp liking what he saw from his new recruit on his first day at the club.

“He is very keen and eager so hopefully things work out well for him here at the Sharks,” Sharp said. “From what we’ve seen on tape and the recommendations we’ve had for him I think Mark can certainly add something to our depth in the forwards.

“Mark now has a chance to show his wares in the NRL and to try to make the most of this opportunity he has at the Sharks.”

Mexico has been selected to start in the front row for the NSW Cup Sharks when they play Manly on Sunday.

See the following bio of Mark Mexico as reproduced from the PNG Hunters website.

Mark Mexico
DOB: 21/05/1989
Height: 183cms
Weight: 106kgs
Place of Birth: Lae PNG
First Club: Kamung Crushers RFLC
Position: Prop
Representatives: 2011 PNGRFL emerging Kumuls, 2012 PNGRFL residents v Fiji, 2013 residents v South Sydney, 2013 PNGRFL Kumuls PMIII, 2013 PNGRFL World Cup Team.

Source: sharks.com.au