He represented his country in volleyball and hadn't played rugby league less than two years ago.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the Canberra Raiders have been so impressed with Kato Ottio's dedication to training they intend to sign the PNG international for the rest of the season.
Ottio's remarkable rise will take its next step when makes his Raiders debut at next weekend's Auckland Nines.
Standing 1.92m and tipping the scales at 106kg, Ottio has the strength, size and pace to play on the wing, in the centres or in the second-row.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been impressed with how Ottio has thrown himself into training and adapted to his new surroundings.
"The transition in regards to playing with PNG to what he has had to endure over the off-season is enough for me to say that we will sign him," Stuart said.
"He's a very talented, skilful player.
"The commitment he has shown to the team and his individual commitment to his off-season shows me that he's a very committed guy.
"He's away from his family, that he's doing it tough with.
"He's made a big commitment in wanting to be successful and I want to help him with that and we'll do that in due course."
Ottio will be given time to develop and is likely to spend the majority of the season with Raiders affiliate Mounties in the NSW Cup.
But he could be called up to make a dream NRL debut this year if injuries affect the Raiders' outside back stocks.
Sisa Waqa and Edrick Lee are the frontrunners for the two wing spots.
Both players have played a key role in Ottio having his development fast-tracked and adjusting to his new surroundings.
"Sisa Waqa has been like a brother to me, calling my name out in training," Ottio said.
"He's been very close to me and has made me feel welcome.
"During opposed games in training, Edrick Lee and Sisa Waqa were helping me with how outside backs play.
"I picked up some things, but I think I've got a lot more to do."
Ottio has a background in rugby union and could be one of the surprise packets in the Nines with his speed and running in broken play.
He was quickly promoted to the PNG national team and took on the likes of Aaron Woods and Raiders teammates Josh Papalii and Aiden Sezer in the match against the Prime Minister's XIII at the end of 2014.
"That was the highest game I had played," Ottio said.
"I was a bit nervous, but the coaches and the boys were telling me to get the ball and run hard."
Ottio had a strong season with the Hunters last year before Mulholland arranged for him to join the Raiders for pre-season training.
"It's really tough, every day. When I first came here I found it pretty hard," Ottio said.
"I'm excited about going to play the Nines with the Raiders.
"I've been training hard and looking forward to what's coming up in front of me.
"It's come down to hard work and commit yourself to training."
The news of Ottio signing with the Raiders is sure to reverberate around PNG where rugby league is the national sport.
"They were waiting for the Auckland Nines team to be announced and I've been receiving text messages and calls," Ottio said.
"Everyone in PNG loves rugby league and they get crazy about it."
