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Fidelis Sukina

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Rugby League

Judah Rimbu Impressive on Debut

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Judah Rimbu

Judah Rimbu is fast becoming a breakout star for the Kumuls and has been gathering praise from a lot of the players in the team including the Coach, Justin Holbrook.

His performance on Sunday in the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge against the Cook Islands was nothing short of hard work, he played 74 minutes making a total of 40 tackles and 84 passes at dummy half. He also had a try assist to his name. His contribution was praised in the 46 to 10 victory over the Cook Islands.

With the absence of Edwin Ipape, Judah made sure to perform at rake for the Kumuls.

His performance in the Prime Ministers XIII ensured a call up to debut for the Kumuls and Coach Justin Holbrook keeps piling on the praise.

Fellow teammate Jacob Alick was also commending of Judah adding that despite having a few marque players absent Judah was a standout on debut.

Judah Rimbu being the humble chap says he had dreamed of a Kumuls call up and said making sacrifices and hardwork has taken him this far.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/nene-macdonald-lifeblood-in-kumuls-camp/

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Rugby League

Don Polye on Rugby League NRL Bid

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NRL Bid

Sports Minister, Don Polye after the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge Match, commended the Kumuls on their win over the Cook Islands Aitu, and gave an update on a proposed Bill to be presented to Parliament.

The Bill will help with providing a guide for PNG to chart a course to a successful NRL Bid.

It will cover the development pathways and funding aspects associated with meeting the standards of the NRL competition.

Polye mentioned that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League was refining the proposed bill to be presented by the Minister to Parliament.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/nene-macdonald-lifeblood-in-kumuls-camp/

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Rugby League

Nene Macdonald Lifeblood in Kumuls Camp

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Nene Macdonald

Nene Macdonald has been described as a leader in the Kumuls camp by Coach Justin Holbrook. The Kumuls finisher racked up to 214 run meters the highest in the match, five tackle breaks and two line breaks yesterday against the Cook Islands, a gutsy show of leadership.

Four try hero Nene Macdonald was out of football for an extended period. Due to paternity leave and recently severed ties with his club the Leeds Rhions. But amidst the controversy he was selected for the PM’s XIII challenge and ultimately to the Kumuls and yesterday scored four tries against the Cook Islands.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook said Nene seemingly is like the lifeblood of the team. He says Nene has been a leader in camp and has much to offer. Holbrook couldn’t pass the opportunity to have Nene on the team and his decision has been rewarded with Nenes performance on Sunday.

“Nene loves playing for the Kumuls you know. The minute he steps into camp he is one of the leaders. He gets everyone together, he makes sure there is a good environment.

“I keep reminding him train hard and play well. He just loves being back home in PNG with everyone like that. It makes for a good environment.

The PNG Kumuls have put themselves as favorites on home soil for the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge with a convincing win over Cook Islands 46-10, but they will face their toughest opponent the Fiji Bati.

PNG is currently ranked 6th, while Fiji is ranked 7th according to International Rugby League rankings. Fiji take on the Cook Islands this weekend. While PNG will be on bye and face Melanesian rivals Fiji on the 29th of October 2023.

Despite Cook Islands best efforts in the second half, PNG managed to dominate the score board. Coach Justin Holbrook said they overcame the challenge of Cook Islands but he feels the biggest challenge they face is Fiji.

“We had a big lead obviously and it was tough conditions, and we were good enough to come out with a win.

“Some of these players hadn’t played footy in a while and it’s great to have a hit out and we really enjoyed it.

“Yes we have to be more consistent, Fiji obviously is a stronger side and we know that we had discussed that as a team, it’s just the first game but we will work hard on finishing the game a lot better,” Holbrook said.

With Edwin Ipape, Rhys Martin and Wellington Albert yet to arrive in Port Moresby Holbrook will be making some tough calls to the lineup.

“It will be a tough decision for me in a couple of weeks’ time against Fiji. Knowing the quality of the depth of players we have in our camp. Ultimately that’s what we want. To have a big pool of players to choose from,” Holbrook said.

PNG ran in nine tries in a dominant performance against a woeful Cook Islands side, that were battered early on. Managing to pick up their game in the second half to score two tries.

PNG managed to capitalize on the Cook Islanders poor defensive effort, with winger Nene Macdonald scouring four, while Zac Lybutt on debut, bagged himself two tries. Epel Kapinias, Valentine Richard and Robert Derby each scored a try as well.

Zack Laybutt with the boot managed to convert 5 from 10 conversion attempts.

Kumuls Coach, Justin Holbrook, was impressed with the team’s performance. The Kumuls led 30 – 0 at halftime but struggled to maintain their barnstorming effort in the first half. The Cooks managed to take advantage of the Kumuls downtime scoring two tries to Esom Ioka and Steven Masters.

The game ended with PNG coming out winners 46 to 10.

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Rugby League

Kumuls Determined to Make Final on Home Soil

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Pacific Championships

The Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls are quietly confident they can make it to the finals of the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge.

They take nothing away from the Cook Islands and Fiji, but with the home crowd and the recent outing at the PMs 13 PNG are looking good as favorites on home soil.

The Kumuls were spirited during training yesterday in preparation for their match against the Cook Islands on Sunday; the team boasts a good amount of cohesion in the team with only six debutants for the Kumuls.

Old heads in Daniel Russell, Nene Macdonald, Lachlan Lam, Kyle Laybutt and Nixon Putt will once again don the Kumul jumper and lead this dynamic team for their first match of the three game series.

Experienced players in debutant Jack De Belin and dynamic finisher Alex Johnston bring in the NRL experience, to boost a lively Kumuls outfit.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook says they are determined to make it to the finals.

“Obviously we want to win it, we want to qualify for the final and it starts this weekend. The final will be played here on Sunday November 5, so we want to be a part of that and we want to win the Pacific test,” Holbrook said

The team is not at full strength with Justin Olam, Edwin Ipapae and Rhys Martin not on the team sheet for this Sunday. Wellington Albert was not present during training as well.

“So obviously we would love to have Edwin here but he coped a one game suspension from his last game of Super League and, and Justin Olam is the other one who’s still out injured with a knee injury so he’s still doing his rehab down in Melbourne.

“So there’ll be no changes to the side that we’ve named for this game but you know they could possibly come in for the for the Fiji game,” Holbrook said

With Rhys Martin out of the picture for this weekend’s match Kyle Laybutt is the best option for Captain.

“We well have to announce that but I was really impressed with the way Kyle Laybutt was for the PMs 13 the other week and then Fantastic job all weekend training so he’s more than likely be in the running for that,” Holbrook said

Holbrook added that the inclusion of NRL players in the team will benefit the team greatly both on and off the field.

“It’s about how they handle the whole week their professionalism in training the way they do their day to day training and watching the way they operate its just tremendous for our guys, we have a good mix of different levels in this side and the younger guys can really learn.

The inclusion of Jack De Belin into the Kumuls side has caused some controversy, but Holbrook said it was him that called Jack to offer the opportunity to help boost capacity in the team, as an experienced player in the NRL Jack has more to offer especially to the young talent in the team.

“I rang Jack and just explained to him that you know, it was a great opportunity for you to help these guys develop and with your experience in the game, and, you know, that’s why he jumped at the opportunity this week. He’s really loved being here and you can see the passion up here and he can’t wait to play on Sunday either. So just add those guys with that much experience in the game and they can really help develop at a faster rate than if they weren’t here. So I’m really excited that Jack and the other senior boys here this time,” Holbrook said.

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Rugby League

Pacific Championships Squads Announced

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Pacific Championships

The Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) CEO, Stanley Hondina together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk and the newly appointed Chairlady for the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove, in a press release, announced the 21-person squads for the upcoming Pacific Championships this October – November 2023.

Papua New Guinea will participate with the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids, playing matches in Port Moresby.

The teams under Head Coaches Justin Holbrook of the PNG LNG Kumuls and Ben Jeffries of the Santos PNG Orchids, are set to field the best available athletes in the sport, competing at the highest possible level and also exposing talent having come through the existing PNGRFL pathways.

Mr. Hondina shared, “With the excitement from the Prime Minister’s XIII and finally having international exhibition and test matches now returning to PNG, we are seeing the different levels of the pathway for our game highlight the ability of our pool of players from the various national championships and now the mentioned matches.”

“Our Coaches have been entrusted to engage and take our teams to where they need to be for these matches and I take this time to thank them for their leadership and wish them the best as they prepare for their upcoming matches,” Hondina added.

The PNG LNG Kumuls will vie for the Pacific Championship Bowl.

Match 1: 15th October 2023 Santos National Football Stadium
Match 2: 29th October 2023, Santos National Football Stadium
Match 3:– Finals TBC- 5th November 2023 at the Santos National Football Stadium

PNG LNG Kumuls

PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook, will lead his team boasting PNG exports to England, Edwin Ipape of the Leigh Leopards and Wellington Albert of the London Broncos. The squad sees the injection of seasoned Kumul and RLWC Captain, Rhyse Martin, alongside the likes of NRL top performer, Alex Johnston. New faces to the squad include, Jack De Belin next to experienced Kumuls forward, Dan Russell both from NRL side, St. George Illawarra.

The Pacific Bowl series will also likely see PNG Hunters, Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop and Valentine Richard earn their Kumuls numbers as they make their debuts.

Wapu Sonk, Chairman of the PNG LNG Kumuls, said, “We saw an outstanding effort from our PMXIII’s side in September and it is a privilege to announce this year’s Pacific Championship squad, with a high calibre of our PNG players assembling from Australia, England and Papua New Guinea, to fly our flag for the first test match in country, since the 2019 Great Britain Lions match.”

Santos PNG Orchids

The Santos PNG Orchids squad will feature 12 Orchids who have earnt their numbers in the recent 2022 Rugby League World Cup and previous test matches. Whilst 6 have come from the PNGRFL National Women’s Championships which includes two promising talents from the Junior Orchids, Meli Joe and Yolanda Taute. After their performances during their Prime Minister’s XIII weekend match against the Australian School Girls side last month.

The Ben Jeffries coached side will go up against the Cook Island Moana 12:30pm, Sunday 22nd October, Santos National Football Stadium.

Newly appointed Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids and PNG Communications Manager of naming rights sponsor Santos, Ms. Celestine Ove, said, “The journey of the Santos PNG Orchids, has been one that continues to see the advancement of women in the sport and this squad highlights and celebrates the progress of our women and girls. Seeing our NRLW and Australian based players combined with the strong upcoming domestic talent and Juniors, is an indication of the evolution of the women’s game and I am proud to be able to share this squad, who will represent PNG come 22nd October.”

The Pacific Championships squads are as below:
2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
PNG LNG KUMULS SQUAD
15 OCTOBER -5 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Alex Johnston
South Sydney Rabbitoh
2
Benji Kot
PNG Hunters
3
Dan Russell
St. George Illawarra Dragons
4
Edwin Ipape
Leigh Leopards
5
Epel Kapinias
PNG Hunters
6
Jack De Belin
St. George Illawarra Dragons
7
Jacob Alick
Gold Coast Titans
8
Judah Rimbu
PNG Hunters
9
Junior Rop
PNG Hunters
10
Justin Olam
Melbourne Storm
11
Kyle Laybutt
Townsville Blackhawks
12
Lachlan Lam
Leigh Leopards
13
Liam Horne
Castleford Tigers
14
Nene Macdonald
Leeds Rhinos
15
Nixon Putt
Castleford Tigers
16
Rhyse Martin
Leeds Rhinos
17
Robert Derby
North Queensland Cowboys
18
Rodrick Tai
PNG Hunters
19
Valentine Richard
Central Qld Capras
20
Wellington Albert
London Broncos
21
Zac Laybutt
North Queensland Cowboys

2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD
PNG V COOK ISLANDS, 22 OCTOBER 2023
1
Almah Johnson
PNG
2
Belinda Gwasumun
PNG
3
Bertshiba Awoi
PNG
4
Elsie Albert
NSW
5
Emily Veivers
QLD
6
Essay Banu
AUS
7
Freda Waula
PNG
8
Gloria Kaupa
NSW
9
Jessikah Reeves
AUS
10
Lancy Ulkambane
PNG
11
La-Toniya Norris-Addo
NT
12
Leila Kerowa
PNG
13
Lyiannah Allen
PNG
14
Meli Joe
PNG
15
Roswita Kapo
NSW
16
Sareka Mooka
QLD
17
Sera Koroi
QLD
18
Shellie Long
QLD
19
Sillah Rumints
VIC
20
Ua Ravu
ACT
21
Yolanda Taute
PNG

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Rugby League

PNGRFL Appoints Tony Archer

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Tony Archer

Rugby League in PNG has received another major boost with the appointment of Tony Archer to head up their Competition Governance and Match Officials.

On the back of Joe Grima’s appointment as Head of Player Pathways and Justin Holbrook’s decision to take on the National Coaching role with the Kumuls, Archer’s appointment is another major step forward for PNG as they look to create a game-wide structure that will help them become the next team admitted to the National Rugby League.

The passion for the game in the country has again been on show in recent months, with sell-out crowds for the finals series of the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup matches, including the Grand Final and the more recently held PM’s XIII weekend.

Archer’s background as an official is impressive. After making his National Rugby League first grade debut in 1999, Archer went on to referee 295 NRL games between 1999 and 2012, forming a reputation as one of the best referees in the game.

During his stellar career he took charge of many important matches, including six consecutive NRL Grand Finals between 2007 and 2012.

His representative career was also decorated, with Archer refereeing 13 State of Origin matches and 9 International matches, including the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations decider.

This level of consistency led to him being named International Referee of the Year in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

After retiring in 2012, Archer began his move into the coaching of officials, and in late 2013 he took over from Daniel Anderson as Referees Elite Performance Manager, which he held between 2014 and 2018. In 2017 he led the Officials for the Rugby League World Cup. Currently his role with the NRL includes Education, Development and Pathways of Officials.

Stanley Hondina, CEO PNGRFL, saw Archer’s appointment as another significant step forward for rugby league in PNG:

“Officiating and Competition Governance is an incredibly important part of the game and to have someone of Tony’s experience and expertise head up that area for PNG is tremendous news.”
“We are looking to create the best possible pathways for our players and that requires high quality officiating and professional competition governance from the grass roots all the way through to the senior level.”
“Tony has performed this role successfully with the NRL, and he will bring a wealth of knowledge and ideas that will help us create a new generation of officials for both the men’s and women’s programs going forward.”
“We look forward to Tony starting with us in the coming weeks”.

Tony Archer
Tony Archer officiating an NRL match.

Tony Archer expressed his excitement at the opportunity to contribute to the game in PNG:

“Building the foundation in Officiating and Governance from the grass roots upwards is crucial when it comes to creating a strong pathways system in sport.”
“When it comes to being able to contribute to the game in Papua New Guinea, it is a unique and exciting opportunity to work with such passionate people who love the game of Rugby League and are so determined to see it continue to grow.”
“Speaking to those involved I know the time and effort that has gone into creating a strategic approach to building a professional structure and making sure that the development of officials and the correct competition governance sits as a high priority.”
“I can’t wait to start and to work with the next generation of officials. Having seen the steps that have been put in place in terms of pathways and coaching, I’m excited about what lies ahead for the game in PNG.”

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Rugby League

Australia Best Passionate PNG Side

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PNG Side

A tough enough performance by the PNG Prime Ministers XIII gave a home crowd at the Santos National Football stadium something to cheer about. Despite the 18 points to 30 loss handed by the Australians to PNG, it showed that PNG had the passion to perform to their best.

The Australians came out victors but had to work hard for the win, a passionate crowd and a passionate performance by the PNG side left fans a little bit more excited despite the end result.

A handful of NRL fringe players and a collection of Hot plus Cup and Digicel Cup players, against a star studded NRL line up. What a match it was, proving PNG has a bright future ahead with the young side holding their own against the Australians.

In past years it would spell doom for most that gathered for the match, anticipating an Australian demolition of PNG but on Saturday, the momentum was with the PNG side from the get go. With just four minutes into the match a cross field bomb within the Aussies 20 meter line by captain Kyle Laybutt was fumbled by Cody Walker and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, allowing Nene Macdonald to pounce on the loose ball.

A huge pop as the crowd erupted in cheer, for almost a minute you could not hear yourself speak. PNG taking an early lead. PNG held their own in the next 10 minutes but Australia came back as sure enough, a string of passes led to Murray Taulagi, stepping three defenders back infield to stroll in for the visitors first points.

By then the scores were tied 6-6, and PNG were mounting on an impressive defense led by captain Kyle Laybutt whose tackling technique was on show throughout the match. Despite the defensive effort by the home side, Australia extended their lead seven minutes before half time. An inside ball by Tom Dearden found Hudson Young running through a hole in defense just 10 meters off the try line.

A successful conversion ending the first half 12-6 in favor of Australia.

The second half saw PNG score first at the back of strong runs by the forwards, Junior Rop’s carry in the Australian’s 20 meter line forming the catalyst for a try. Hooker Judah Rimbu handing an inside ball to forward Cruise Ten to muscle his way over for a four pointer.

A successful conversion tying the scores once more at 12 all, the Australians took control and for the next 20 minutes scored through Alofiana Khan-Pereira in the 58th minute and Cameron McInnes in the 61st minute, extending their lead to 24 points to 12.

But it would be Epel Kapinias who would rekindle the fiery PNG side with just 10 minutes of play remaining. A short grubber by hooker Judah Rimbu between the uprights pounced on by Epel for the try.

A successful conversion led to a 6 point deficit for the PNG side trailing 24 points to 18. It seemed PNG would end the match at this score line but just seconds out from full time, Australian fullback Tyrell Sloan managed to end the match with a converted try, ending the fixture 30 points to 18 for a strong finish for the Aussies.

Zac Laybutt with the boot finished 3 from 3 and Australia’s Zac Lomax finished 5 from 5.

Kyle Laybutt, a man of few words, let his game do the talking. As Captain he simply put the win down to a great effort by the team. His guidance in the seven jersey proved to be pivotal in their attack. His mixture of long kicks and spiral bombs was hard to take on the full by the Australian backline.

“So proud of the boys. We went in there to make things happen and we did. We got a lot of young players coming through like my brother Zac and Treigh Stewart, and (I) can’t wait to see what’s ahead of us,” Laybutt said.

PNG Side
PNG Side
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Rugby League

Passion to Represent PNG

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PM's XIII

It’s about passion and putting your body on the line. That pretty much summed up what senior player Nene Macdonald and Prop Forward Valentine Culligan had to say about today’s PM’s XIII match.

Both players are part of an underdog PNG Prime Ministers XIII en route for a showdown with a star studded Australian PM’s XIII side that are favorites to dominate the match.

With overwhelming odds against them they look to the basics in rugby league and the passion they share to represent PNG in the sport of rugby league.

Nene Macdonald first represented PNG in 2013 and this time around, he is one of the senior players that are pushing the debutants to give their all against the Aussies.

Nene Macdonald

A senior player no doubt he will be pivotal in attack and defense. He says the same passion that he had years ago is present in the debutants and knows they can give a good challenge to their opponents.

“I remember putting on the jersey in 2013 and coming out to the crowd. The atmosphere was great seeing everyone in the crowd cheering, a very emotional moment and very proud moment for me and my family,” Macdonald said.

The passion that PNG has is always ambient around the team. Especially in the presence of former Kumul players, most of which, are part of the Coaching staff. Former Kumuls like Paul Aiton and John Wilshere among others, continue to strengthen the next crop of Kumuls to come.

“For us the passion has been our strongest weapon for the fight. I will always be proud of being a Papua New Guinean. It’s been almost five years since I came back to PNG and it’s great to be back.

“Putting past players into the team as staff, they know what it’s like to put that jersey on. I think for us when you put that Kumul Jersey on. It’s a bit different than playing for another country. We work so hard and it’s a big dream for many young Papua New Guineans playing for the national team,” Macdonald added

PNG’s Prime Minister’s XIII side in training.

It will be tough and the PNG boys are up against the might of Australia’s PM’s XIII. It can be intimidating but Prop forward Valentine Culligan is up for the cause. Players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui pose the biggest threat in the forwards, but Valentine is not shaken, and is ready for the battle.

He added that they have to keep it simple and bring on the aggression. He is ready to go all out in this encounter.

“We will be keeping it simple. We have to run hard and tackle hard and keep the errors to a minimum. It will be tough but like I said, I’ll put my body on the line to try my best and keep giving my best.”

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Rugby League

Aussies PM’s XIII Arrive to Fanfare at Jacksons Airport

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PM's XIII

The Aussies PM’s XIII arrived to the usual fanfare by Papua New Guineans at the Jacksons International Airport, which they found it as more than what was expected.

A crowd had formed before the ETA of the Aussies at 3.30pm the Australian Contingent made up of the Australian Defense Force Men and Women, two junior teams men’s and women’s and the women’s and Men’s PM’s XIII’s.

A total of 230 as the total contingent flew in to PNG on an Australian Air Force flight. the crowd mostly made up of children and young men went into a frenzy when the Australian Men’s PM’s XIII walked out at the arrivals.

The crowd soon swarmed in on the players as several players including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow got his team cap pulled off his head.

The chants of “Tino, Tino, Tino” as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui walked into the team bus covered the open air outside, behind him a frantic chase of cat and mouse between guards and the fans, children mostly kept circling the bus making gestures for any piece of souvenir they could beg off the NRL stars.

After a few photos and continuous chanting the team bus took off, with some members of the crowd latching while others ran after the bus a few got trampled before the police personnel dispersed the crowd from moving 25 seater Rosa bus from Budget Rent a car.

It seemed bewildering but expected by the Australians, with Australia PM’s XIII Captain Cameron Murray saying it was a crazy experience.

“Most of us were left speechless most we had a really good smile on our faces a bit crazy but what could have happened was probably what was expected,” Cameron Murray Australian PM’s XIII Captain said

“I came here when I was 16 years old to PNG, to one of the Islands but today’s airport scene takes the top spot.

“A crazy experience obviously at the airport, really excited to be here great to back in the Australian colors after the World Cup last year.”

For both teams the last encounter in PNG was in 2018 loyal rugby league followers in PNG are obviously relishing this opportunity for a weekend of international rugby league.

While the Aussies are overwhelming favorites, Coach Mal Meninga says it’s an opportunity for the Australian players to cement their place in the Kangaroos and get in some match fitness as well.

“It is an important part of the selection of the Kangaroo side and it’s for their fitness no doubt,” Mal Meninga said.

PNG as the underdogs are also gearing up for the challenge with the team quite modes with their approach.

“It’s been a good week, we look forward to the match against the Australians.

“Pacific Test coming up and we look forward to all the players turning up for that, it is a great opportunities for the team to have some these fringe players make an effort to make the Kumuls side for the pacific test,” PNG PM’s XIII Coach Justin Holbrook said

The PNG Prime Minister’s 13 has opted for Kyle Laybutt as Captain and are keen on the challenge ahead on Saturday against the Australian PM’s XIII.

Papua New Guineas Captain Kyle Laybutt says he is ready to represent Papua New Guinea and give his best.

“I am very proud to represent everyone in PNG as the captain no doubt and we look to take the field on Saturday,” Laybutt said

Kyle will be alongside his younger brother Zac Laybutt who will debut in PNG color’s as well, both look to contribute their best to PNG this weekend.

Related: https://insidepng.com/daly-cherry-evans-headline-aust-pms-xiii/

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Junior Kumuls a Pathway to Overseas Leagues

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A new pathway to get exposure for young Papua New Guineans that play rugby league is the Junior Kumuls concept, the match between the Junior Kangaroos and the Junior Kumuls is sanctioned by the National Rugby Leagues (NRL) and selection comes under the guidelines of the NRL also.

This was made mention of by CEO of PNGRFL Stanley Hondina during the teams announcement.
Coach of the Junior Kumuls Joe Grima who extensively coached in both England and Australia has complied with set standards from the NRL to pick the best possible junior team to represent Papua New Guinea.
Grima’s last post was as the Elite Pathways Coach and also Assistant Coach at the Parramatta Eels in the NRL.

Grima left his job at Parramatta to take up a job here in PNG with the PNGRFL, his insight into the NRL standards has helped in making sure that PNG has a strong side against the Australians.

“We’ve got three players that we’ve identified from Australia, and they’re linked to Manly, Gold Coast and the other Cowboys. “We’ve also identified players from all four regions of Papua New Guinea. And to top all that off, we’ve identified the best six or seven eligible bass players from the Digicel Exxon Mobil cup.
“And what we want to do is provide a platform for those young men and women. So we have an opportunity for these young men and women to be offered opportunities to get into the Queensland rugby league to get into the New South Wales rugby league, certainly the NRL and certainly Super League and we’ve already had some expression of interest with Australian based clubs already.

“So it’s already starting to manifest. But absolutely, we want to use this opportunity as a platform where we can promote these young men and women into elevated and elite programs in Australia,” Grima said.

The team is made up of Under 20s, from the ages of 20 and below, and Grima says that they have a good mixture of players within the ages of 20 and 17 years of age.

“It’s Junior Kumuls. It’s not a community or junior school boys program. So the age limit is under 20s. So we’ve selected five 20 year olds, and the remainders of the players fluctuate between 17 and 19.
“We’re very, very excited to say that we’ve actually identified three 17 year olds that would have been recognized through a community or school based program and represented their various district and were identified in the national championships here.

“So, out of the 18 players, all players must be no older than 20 years of age, which is consistent to the standards and the regulations set out by the NRL,”Grima said
Grima added that those selected had gone through an extensive vetting process and some players for both the junior Kumuls and the Junior Orchids had to be dropped because of the age restrictions.
“Players need to demonstrate their appropriate age, before they could take part and run onto the field, some evidence would need to be provided.
“And we’re very, very delighted to say that all those men and women have demonstrated and have that documentation before they took to the field.

“Unfortunately, we did identify some players that did not have all the information that was inconsistent to what other information suggested, and unfortunately missed out there.

“No, I think that’s what the chairman and the CEO were suggesting when they said that, you know, we’ve followed the regulations by the NRL and we’re fully compliant in that field so we can take that field and give it the best shot against arguably the world’s best teams,” Grima said

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