Their mutual love of rugby league has left two young PNG pilots got financial assistance from the Hollywood superstar, Russel Crowe to complete their flight training in Australia.

The Australia-based New Zealand actor, film producer and musician  later helped the duo join a rugby team, Orara Valley Axemen, the Daily Mail Australia reports.

It is a rugby league club based near Crowe’s home.

After completing their aviation studies from White Star Aviation in NSW’s Ballina, Jed Katal and Clyde Awesa are now attached with Torres Strait Air.

Crowe came to their rescue when their studies were disrupted in 2020 and their first flight school on the NSW Mid North Coast closed down due to the Covid pandemic.