Informing Today, Inspiring Tomorrow
Source: NRL.com
Justin Olam, A True Son of Papua New Guinea
Few athletes embody the hopes of an entire nation the way Justin Olam does. From humble beginnings in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to lifting a premiership trophy in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL), Olam’s journey is a story of determination, discipline, and national pride. He is more than just a rugby league player; he is a symbol of possibility for thousands of young Papua New Guineans who share his dream.
Olam played the game with a ferocity and passion that made him a beloved fan favorite with PNG Kumuls and the Melbourne Storm NRL franchise. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of another PNG-born Storm player, the great Marcus Bai, a trailblazer in the NRL for the likes of Olam and other up and coming PNG rugby league stars.
Renowned for his bone-jarring hits in defense and brutal carries into the opposition. Feared by opposing players throughout his relatively brief NRL career, he was equally dangerous a defender as he was an attacker.
Early Life and Beginnings
Justin Olam was born in 1993 in Chimbu Province, a rugged, highland region of PNG where rugby league is more than just a pastime—it is a national obsession. Like many PNG children, Olam grew up playing the game barefoot in fields and villages, developing both toughness and a deep passion for the sport.
His talent soon became evident, and after completing his schooling, he pursued studies in applied physics at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. While balancing his education, he continued to shine on the rugby field, representing his local club and eventually catching the attention of selectors at the national level.
Breaking into Professional Rugby League
Justin Olam with PNG Hunters. Source: PNG Hunters
Olam’s first major step onto the professional stage came when he joined the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup competition in 2016. The Hunters, a team created to showcase PNG talent in an Australian league, provided him with a pathway to test his skills against stronger opposition. Olam thrived in the competition, earning recognition for his fearless defense and powerful running game.
His performances quickly drew the attention of NRL scouts, and in 2017, he was signed by the Melbourne Storm, one of the most successful clubs in rugby league. He began playing for the Storm’s feeder team, the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Rugby League Competition, The Queensland Cup, as he waited for the opportunity to make his debut for the NRL side.
Breaking into the Storm’s first-grade team was no easy feat. However, his resilience paid off as his powerful performances in the lower grades meant Storm coach Craig Bellamy could no longer ignore him.
The opportunity finally came on May 6th, 2018 against the St. George-Illawarra Dragons at Jubilee Oval in Sydney. It was special moment for Olam, receiving his jersey in an official presentation earlier in the day from Storm & Queensland legend, Billy Slater. The Storm lost that day to the Dragons, but Olam had already impressed with his hard running style.
Success with the Melbourne Storm
Justin Olam playing for the Melbourne Storm. Source: NRL.com
By 2019, Olam had secured a regular spot in the starting lineup, going on to form formidable partnerships over the next 4 years in the centers with players like Will Chambers, Brenko Lee & later Reimis Smith.
The highlight of his club career came in 2020 when the Storm won the NRL Premiership, with Olam playing a crucial role in their title-winning campaign. His fearless tackles, strong carries, and ability to inspire teammates made him a fan favorite, not just in Melbourne but across the rugby league world. He went on to dominate in his position the following season in the NRL, picking up the 2021 NRL Dally M Medal for Centre of The Year.
Representing Papua New Guinea
Justin Olam with the ball on attack for PNG Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
While Olam’s success in the NRL is significant, his role as a representative of PNG holds even greater weight. He has proudly worn the Kumuls jersey in international competition, helping to raise the profile of PNG rugby league on the global stage. For a country where rugby league is the national sport, Olam’s achievements provide an enormous source of pride and inspiration.
One of the highlights of his international career was the Kumuls’ 28–10 victory over the touring Great Britain Lions in Port Moresby on November 16, 2019. This was the first time in 23 years that a Great Britain Lions team had toured and the first time PNG had beaten them in a Test Match. Olam scored a try in that famous win along with another PNG NRL legend, Alex Johnston.
Legacy and Inspiration
Olam’s inspirational personality is summed up nicely in a quote from an interview he gave to the Melbourne Storm Official Website in 2020:
“I just want to do my best for my team and my country. Every time I step on the field, I carry the hopes of Papua New Guinea with me.”
Finally forced into a Medical Retirement in 2023, through injury while contracted to NRL team Wests Tigers, Olam left the game of rugby league and aspiring PNG athletes a powerful legacy worth emulating.
Justin Olam’s journey, from the highlands of PNG to NRL glory, highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of pathways for Pacific Island athletes. He has shown that with talent, hard work, and belief, players from remote regions can compete at the very highest level.
For Papua New Guinea, Olam is not only a rugby league star but also a cultural icon. His career continues to inspire the next generation to dream big, proving that heroes can rise from even the most modest beginnings.
Note: This article was first produced in the September, 2025 edition of the Niugini Review Magazine. Click below for the publication.