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Mead: Win Against Fiji Still Sinking in

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It’s no secret that the 2022 mid-year pacific test between the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Vodafone Fiji Batis would be David Mead’s last representative match in the Kumuls Jumper.

The lad from Tubusereia in the Central province of Papua New Guinea has been a reliable back in the Kumul ranks; at center-wing or fullback Mead has always cherished each moment he donned the yellow and red V stripe jersey.

What an achievement 15 caps for the country, many memories to share of each encounter as a kumul; in a recent correspondence with Inside PNG, Mead was grateful enough to share some of his thoughts on his career and the Kumuls moving forward.

“Nearly all games for the Kumuls have been highlights. My debut was a special one because it opened my eyes to new possibilities. The game against Fiji on the weekend to finish off my international career was beyond words. It is still sinking in,” Mead told Inside PNG.

While Mead has left the Kumuls at the age of 33 he is optimistic of the Kumuls future; the team showed they are relentless against any opponent, being underdogs against Fiji was a challenge at first but they persevered. 

“The Kumuls have got a great squad leading into the world cup. There is a good mixture of experience and youth in the team now. I’m sure there will be a few new faces which I am excited to see put on the jersey,” Mead added.

Mead has ended his Kumuls journey and having a long career at the professional level of rugby league in the NRL and in Super League, Mead is slowly winding down on his rugby league career at this level, a decision he is likely to make very soon.

“At this stage it is looking very likely that I will finish up after this year. My desire to continue playing is very small. I will make a decision sooner rather than later,” Mead said.

Like past Kumuls, Mead is patriotic about Papua New Guinea and would be a great asset to the Kumuls program; he could join the ranks of Stanley Tepend, Paul Aiton, John Wilshire, David Westley and Tommy Butterfield who are currently part of the Kumuls Coaching and Administrative staff, he may be contemplating it but it is still yet to be confirmed.

“At this stage I haven’t had discussions with anyone yet concerning a position with the Kumuls. I will help out rugby league in PNG regardless of a role with or without the Kumuls,” Mead said.

While he is winding down on his NRL career he says the performance of his Kumuls teammates not in the NRL is right up there with expectations in first grade football. 

“There are several players in the Kumuls side that played on the weekend who are more than capable of playing in the NRL every week. NRL clubs would greatly benefit from having them in their squads,” Mead said.

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International

Mead: “It’s Been a Great Journey as Kumul #227”

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“It’s been a great journey with the PNG Kumuls. It means everything to me and my family. Whenever I put on the jersey I think of all the time my mum and siblings drove me to training and games. Without them I wouldn’t be there.”

These were the words of PNG LNG Kumuls Captain, David Mead as he prepares to make his last appearance in the red, black and gold colors against Fiji in tonight’s Pacific Test between the PNG Kumuls and the Fiji Batis in Australia.

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Mead told ‘Inside PNG News’ he is excited to play and has dedicated his last Kumul game to his family, fans and followers of the game. 

The PNG born NRL star has also publicly announced he won’t be taking part in the Rugby League World Cup later this year. 

Mead said he would love to see the next generation of young players be given the same opportunity like him in 2008. 

“I was given this opportunity at the age of 19 years old and was able to make a career out of it,” Mead said. 

Mead was born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea as David Moore on the 4th November 1988. 

His childhood memories speak of him as an energetic kid playing footy at Tubuseria Village.

“Plenty of people have inspired me. When I was a kid, I loved playing footy with my friends. We would use empty bottles if we didn’t have a ball”, Mead said.

He moved to Australia when he was 12 years old and attended Kadina High School in Lismore, New South Wales. 

Between the ages of 13 and 18, he decided to play rugby league as a junior footballer for Lismore Marist Brothers. 

In 2008, he was offered a contract with NRL Team Gold Coast Titans and played in their NYC team. It was during this time he announced changing his name to David Mead to honor his aunt’s family who raised him in Australia. 

The same year, Mead’s performance landed him a spot for the PNG Kumuls in the Rugby League World Cup. This was Mead’s beginning of playing representative football. 

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He represented Kumuls again in the 2008 and 2013 World Cup and Captained the PNG side in 2017. 

In 2009 Mead was part of the squad playing for the Pacific Cup and was named Player of the Year by the Rugby League International Federation. 

“Countless people have helped me along the way. I’ve met a lot of players and coaches who pushed me to be better,” Mead said. 

“Go after your dreams. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen,” added Mead. 

Mead’s appearance tonight will be his 15th test match for the PNG Kumuls. 

PNG Kumuls Captain, David Mead with wife Taneal Mead and son.

“It’s a short week in camp, so it’s about enjoying each other’s company as much as we can. We have one more session and then the game.

“Yes it will be my very last and I am very grateful to have played since 2008 to now. So many people have helped get here. I’m excited for the game,” Mead said. 

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News

Tepend Relishing Kumuls Team

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Most Papua New Guineans are critical about the national rugby league team, the PNG LNG Kumuls, and there has been a lot of talk about the current lineup of the Kumuls, but Coach Stanley Tepend is sticking to his side.

“Papua New Guineans can be very critical but I guess that’s because we are passionate and love the game. They have every right to voice out there thoughts. But I believe we have picked the right team for this test,” Tepend said.

PNG LNG Kumuls Coach, Stanley Tepend.

Tepend in a correspondence with Inside PNG says there is no doubting the player’s loyalty to Papua New Guinea, representative football is a different ball game and the team is ready to put on the Kumuls jumper, even despite a slump in form for the SP PNG Hunters, Tepend says all the players chosen for the squad earned their spot.

“The players picked love the Kumuls and PNG and I am sure they won’t disappoint. We know what it means to us and the boys believe in them themselves. It’s been tough for the Hunters but I believe the players picked have performed well to earn their call up,” Tepend said.

The Fiji Bati side look good on paper and are favorites heading into the test match on Saturday, but the Kumuls have a prolific backline, enter Justin Olam, the “human brick” has been the talk of the NRL with superb defense and attacking attributes, making him a prolific center, Alex Johnston is by far the best finisher of the NRL in recent years, he has the all time try scoring record for the Rabbithos, he is a two time leading try scorer in the NRL over the past two seasons and David Mead at full back, expect him to launch into the Fijian defense after a kick return, the key is with the spine of Russel, Lam, Puara and Mead, experienced campaigners, they should make it an easy finish for Juzzy and Johno to finish across the white line.

Coach Tepend believes the blend of players in the team can cause an upset against Melanesian rivals Fiji Bati.

“It’s the best team we picked with who is available for us. Kyle Laybutt, Justin Olam, Lacklan Lam, Dan Russel and Nixon Putt have all played before. Alex Johnson & David Mead who is Captain both have played at high levels their whole careers so there is a good balance of experience in this team,” Tepend said.

At age 33 Captain David Mead is set to retire from representative footy, and is arguably the most capped player in the squad and perhaps the oldest in the team, his main reason for retirement is to make way for the young crop of players inline for the Kumuls jumper, the youngest squad member is Robert Darby at age 20.

For Tepend this is his moment, a standout Coach at National level and working under Michael Marum, Tepend knows what it takes to win at international level, a short week for the team but the Coaching staff behind Tepend have been the backbone of the Kumuls hard work behind the scenes. 

“It’s more an opportunity for me to coach at this level and manage the week so players are ready to perform to their best come Saturday. I have a good staff around the team which is always important and is the key in any team environment,” Tepend said

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News

Kumul #120 Philip Boge Passes on at Home

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It is with great sadness that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League received news of the death of Kumul #120 Philip Boge.

Boge 55, passed on at his home in Hanuabada village on Tuesday.

PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League to late Boge’s family. 

In a statement, Tsaka said late Boge was one of the greatest players ever produced by the country. He said late Boge also devoted his time as a Game Development Officer and an administrator.

Chairman Tsaka said PNGRFL will pay respect to the late Kumul legend, as well as the PNG LNG Kumuls during the Pacific Test this Saturday.

“All Digicel Cup matches around the country this Saturday and Sunday will observe a minute’s silence in memory of the late Kumul,” said Tsaka. 

Late Philip Dou Boge was born on August 19th 1966 at the Port Moresby General Hospital. He was the younger brother of the late pioneer Kumul #20 Dikana Boge.

Boge debuted for the Kumuls in 1990 and has represented the country in 13 matches.

Late Philip Boge played at fullback and centre, and went on to captain the side in 1994.

Late Philip Boge is from Poreporena Hanuabada Village.

He completed his grades 1 to 6 at Hagara Community School then went on to Poreporena Ahutuna High School.

He played for the Hanuabada Hawks Rugby League Club in the Junior League and followed through playing for the club in the Premier League in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition.

Former Kumuls Head Coach Michael Marum was shocked and sympathetic.

“It’s a sad day for PNG Rugby League…he was my brother playing together for the Vipers and the Kumuls…I’m sorry…,” Marum said.

Tributes are being shared all across the country by his former teammates and fans, upon hearing the news of his passing. 

Late Philip Boge is survived by his three sons Boge Philip Boge, Dikana Boge and Philip Boge Junior, and his daughter Gaudi Boge.

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News

Kimbe Cutters Record 3rd Win for 2022 Season

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Digicel Cup franchise Kimbe Cutters have recorded their 3rd straight win for the 2022 season. 

Cutters beat the Bintagor Goroka Lahanis 24 – 20 in front of a packed home crowd at the Kimbe Rugby League Oval on Saturday (June 18). 

A jubilant Cutter’s Coach Lucas Samak told Inside PNG news, continues reshuffle in the halves has been a factor in their game plan. ” I believe we have found the right player combination and that has proven since winning our first game in Round 6,” said Samak.

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Coach Samak said the Cutter’s line defense improved alot in the past two weeks holding off their opponents and denying tries. He said training will continue to grind players especially forwards. 

“Our forward pack has more to work on to be the best defensive team. We will work on this to prepare for our next game. Our boys have more to offer and our hype for the game has moved a notch up with three wins in a row, ” said Coach Samak. 

Samak said the team hopes to record another win before the two weeks break as players and officials in all the franchise clubs prepare to head to the polls to cast their votes for the 2022 National General Elections.

“We will take one game at a time. I want to see the Team elevated to be a premiership contender if we stick to our game plans and preparation”, said Coach Samak. 

Cutters win over visitors Goroka Lahanis is the third straight win after Jiwaka Provincial Government sponsored Waghi Tumbe and PRK Gulf Isou. 

Kimbe Cutters Fullback Elijah Rotinga was named Player of the Match after scoring a try and was instrumental in assisting the other 3 tries. 

Coach Samak is optimistic the same lineup will be maintained however the win over Lahanis comes at a cost with two players likely to face discipline charges. 

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Sport

Black Orchids win Sports Tok 7s

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There was a certain bloom at the Cup final of the Sports Tok 7s, the Black Orchids from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville shone brightly after a lengthy absence, coming back onto the rugby sevens’ scene with a hard fought win over the Nova Rugby Club.

The fifth installment of the annual sevens tournament was highly competitive, with the Orchids defeating last year’s winners the Brothers Rugby Club in the Cup semifinals to guarantee their spot in the Cup final; the Orchids led by Captain Erick Kaiat were impressive, despite being held 5-5 in a cagey first half.

The Orchids with their open style play spread their attack and used their speed to score two tries to advance to a 17 – 5 lead in the second half, before Nova closed the match with a try right on fulltime, but it was still not enough for a win for the Novas.

Orchids still came out on top 2022 winners of the Sports Tok 7s Cup with a fulltime score at 17-10.

Erick Kaiat is one of the most senior players in the Orchids side and Captained the team in an impressive win.

Despite a lapse in sevens rugby in the Autonomous Region, the team managed to pull together a mix of youth and experience to show their dominance in the tournament.

“Preparation was for two months and all that hard work has shown, we have found that winning formula and I am proud to be the captain, I told the boys that I will lead the team to a win in Port Moresby and now all the boys are ecstatic with the outcome,” a joyous Kaiat said.

The Orchids decided to stay on after an impressive Kumul Petroleum Holdings National Sevens series outing, the team from the “San kamap” region finished third overall in the provincial series, this Cup win was the icing on the cake for the Orchids, taking home K10, 000 prize money with a new set of jersies from Tati Sports.

As complimentary, the Orchids will be flying to the Autonomous region with the fifth year Sports Tok 7’s commemorative Cup as well.

To top it all off Kaiat was named the Paul Joseph player of the tournament, well deserving for the veteran, who has been a stalwart for the Orchids through their finer years and now their resurgence.

“Player of the tournament!”, I have no words to express this feeling, I have never been given an award in past tournaments, the supporters have been great and that has been a motivating factor in my performance I would like to thank the tournament host for the award and I dedicate it to the fans that turned up to support,” Kaiat said.

Meanwhile, the Rabaul Stallions womens team claimed the Open Womens Cup after a convincing 24-12 win over the Juggernauts womens’ team; the Stallions walked away with K5000 and a new set of jersey from Tati Sports.

Nova defeated Stallions in the mens U20 to claim the Cup.

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Sport

Eagles Claw Away at Tumbe in Minj

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Franchise Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles are victors beating neighbors Waghi Tumbe yesterday in Round 8 of the 2022 Digicel Cup Season in Jiwaka.

Eagles put on a strong strong performance to defend a late come back by Tumbe with a final score line 22 – 14 at the Jonas Amban Oval in Minj.

It was costly for the home team as Eagles crossed first to open the score board with a try following consecutive penalties by Tumbe.

Handling errors by Waghi Tumbe gave Mt Hagen Eagles enough ball and field possession in their half.

Eagles went on with another attack gaining yard through the middle with a line brake resulting in a four pointer. Successful conversion saw the Eagles extend the lead to 10 with Tumbe yet to score.

But the home side did not back off. Carving through the Eagles defense, a penalty in their half saw them extend ground by finding the sideline. With momentum behind Tumbe, a cross kick saw Tumbe Outside Centre Alex Max scoring a superb try on the left side.

But the Mt Hagen Eagles held on the lead into half time with a 10 – 8 score line.

Tumbe began the second half with a promising start but failed to put points on the board. A counter attack by the Eagles on the right side of the Tumbe defense was hefty as Eagles bounce back to score under the post.

A successful conversion saw Eagles extend the score line to 16 – Tumbe 8. Strong runs by Tumbe was helpful as they push towards the opponent’s try line.

With 10 minutes left, a knock-on by Eagles gave the home side a chance to close the 8 point difference.

Tumbe capitalize with a set replay sending Alex Max for his second try. With the conversion successful, the score saw Eagles lead with 16- 14.

But the visitors proof to strong for the home side as they made huge yards down Tumbe’s territory.

A slick move by Eagles dummy half Danny Aron saw Eagle’s fourth try to seal the game 22 to Tumbe 14.

Eagles Coach Charles Kuri was delighted saying the team kept to the basics and executed their game plan. He said the team was disciplined resulting in tries during critical times of the game.

“We have to improve on a number of factors in preparation for Round 9 against the Gulf Isou. I think the backline was good today, we just need more enforcement with the forwards, said Kuri.

Coach Kuri said they will stick to their basic game plan come Round 9 of the 2022 Digicel Cup Season.

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Sport

New Town Chiefs Try Out Rugby Union

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Rugby Union may not be the most popular sport in Papua New Guinea, but it is the predecessor to rugby league, the most popular sport in PNG.

Over the years rugby league has grown in popularity while rugby union had been at an all-time low, but the recent resurgence of rugby union has bought with it a growing interest.

The New Town Chiefs are youths from the outskirts of Port Moresby from Edai Town, with a few boys within city limits.

The team has a strong hold of rugby league; established in 2021 the team has ventured into rugby union, a sport that the team has come to relish.

New Town Chiefs are taking part in the annual Niu Power Sports Tok sevens tournament, their Coach Mara Katam is pleased with the blend of players.

“The team was formed with a mixture of rugby league and rugby union players, some have 15s experience through the Brothers Rugby Union club, while the rest are rugby league players” Katam added.

The team went down to a strong University Piggies side in their Pool C opener on Saturday, a 26-10 loss to the established club, but the Chiefs managed to make a comeback statement with a 39-7 thumping of fellow debutants Niu Power Hiri West giving the Chiefs some much needed momentum heading to day two on Sunday.

“It was a slow start with the players familiarizing themselves with the rules of the game, but we managed a convincing win in our second match” Coach Katam added.

With the Sports Tok Sevens honing in on the growth of sevens in PNG, the tournament has grassroots teams like the Chiefs finding their place in the code of rugby union sevens.

“A big thank you to the Sports Tok sevens, we are giving these boys the opportunity to play sevens and hopefully they come to love the sport of rugby union as well” Katam concluded.

The Sports Tok Sevens tournament continues on Sunday and ends with the finals to be played on Monday.

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Sport

Big Turnout for Sports Tok 7s

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The threat of rain in Port Moresby did little to hamper the start of the Niu Power Sports Tok 7s tournament, with the cloud cover and seemingly dark skies providing prolific playing conditions on the first day.

The code of rugby union sevens is built around fast pace with limited time; and the organizers of the tournament Quantum Media under their Sports Tok brand, have grown in strides over the past four years with the fifth edition of the tournament this year seeing the biggest gathering of teams for the tournament.

“Interest has grown immensely over the past four years; this year’s tournament is a gathering of more than 50 teams in three divisions.

“It’s much bigger, 24 mens’ teams was the limit, we could not accept more, with 16 teams confirmed for the juniors and 12 women’s teams confirmed, we have women from the Sepik region representing the Sepik Tenkiles, women from AROB and Rabaul also flew in.” said Sports Tok Tournament Manager Benson Upas.

The tournament host is a Small to Medium Enterprise a (SME) and has dug deep into their pockets the last four years including the fifth installment of the tournament, to ensure its continued success.

“We are glad to have a corporate sponsor with Niu Power coming on board, we were on the fence the last two years with COVID-19 having a big impact on our financing, but we managed to pull through those years with help from other sponsors as well,” Upas added.

The tournament has since gained recognition from Papua New Guinea Rugby (PNG Rugby) the country’s governing body of the sport and Upas says they are certain they will be part of the annual PNG Rugby Calendar.

“For the last four years Capital Rugby Union (CRU) has been our partner, this year we have gained recognition from PNG Rugby, we have been contributing players to the national team through our tournament and we are proud of that,” Upas said.

The Sports Tok 7s tournament is scheduled for three days; the final is set for Monday on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.

(PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of Newtown Chiefs)

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No Prize Money for Junior Division

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The Sports Tok 7s tournament has always opted to not provide prize money for it’s under 20 junior division.

Tournament Director Paul Joseph one of PNG’s most revered players in the code of rugby sevens during his prime says they would like to encourage the talent from the junior level to look at developing their skill set in the code.

“If we want to do well at the top we have to start with our juniors they are the future, for our junior division we don’t have cash prizes for them, we just allowing them to come out and show what they have, showcase their talent in front of family and friends, to allow our national coaches to have a look into the future,” Joseph said.

The winners of the men’s and women’s open divisions in the tournament will each receive a new set of jerseys, designed by Tati Sports the merchandising arm of the tournament hosts, apart from the new set of uniforms the winning mens’ team will receive K10,000 cash while the women will receive K5,000.

The family atmosphere was a great welcome for the organizers and fans, with the last two years a challenge with COVID-19 imposed restrictions.

“It’s very pleasing to see the tournament grow, the quality is growing, and in front of a family atmosphere teams taking part in front of friends and family, you know! right after the COVID-19 restrictions, families just want to come out and watch some rugby.

“Organizers Benson Upas and Elsie Passingan continue to dig deep and finance this tournament, which is in its fifth installment, we are glad also to the sponsors that have partnered with the tournament,” Paul Joseph said

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