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Putt, Horne and Rop Back Against Fiji Bati

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Kumuls Final

PNG Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook has picked his strongest side to take on the Fiji Bati in the Pacific Championship Bowl final.

Holbrook is looking for aggression and versatility off the bench. Opting to bring back Nixon Putt, Liam Horne and Junior Rop back into the side.

“Junior Rop is strong and aggressive, Nixon Putt has a tireless work rate and Liam Horne has the versatility. And he can gain meters up the ruck and is also great at lock,” Holbrook said

Holbrook said he wasn’t at all disappointed with individuals in the team. But these three deserved their spot in the final side.

“I wanted to give everyone a game. Especially to the guys that came down from England. I have been impressed by Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horne. [I} wasn’t really unhappy with any individual performance, I was just unhappy with how collectively the team played. But these players, they deserve a call up. They were pretty good in the games they played in,” Holbrook said.

PNG Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook admitted that the team needs to discipline themselves in defense. One area of concern was PNG allowing Fiji to pick up speed off the ruck.

Edwin Ipape was poised to be a game changer for the Kumuls but it turned out to be quite different. The Coach said Ipape needed to familiarize himself with conditions and hopes this week he can make a difference.

“Edwin needed a run to be honest. He didn’t play for a month and he was on the other side of the world in different conditions, and Fiji didn’t give us any real opportunity.

“We have had a look at the video. And we have a number of areas we have to work on and improve on them and execute them this weekend,” Holbrook said.

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Rugby League

Kumuls have Second Chance

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Kumuls Second Chance

The PNG Kumuls have a second chance to make good on their mistakes against the Fiji Bati.

This Sunday the 5th of November will see the final of the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge between PNG and Fiji.

It was a wake up call for the PNG Kumuls after a dismal performance against Fiji Bati, a 43 points to 16 flogging, a seven tries to three victory over the home side as PNG fans were left devastated.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook had nothing much to say but apologised to fans that turned up in droves.

A crowd of 14,300 plus filled the stadium but as the game progressed it was the Fijians in the crowd that were in a frenzy with blue flags flying high amongst the crowd.

The Kumuls fans even started leaving with 20 minutes to go before full time.

On the field it was a team in turmoil with the Kumuls on the back foot with the Fijians hightailing it up the middle. The fast play off the ruck proved too quick for PNG as they struggled to keep up with the Fijians pace.

Despite the Fijians surge up the middle, Kumuls lock forward Jack Dibelin was a machine in defense.

Judah Rimbu offered a spark of flare in the last 30minutes when he came on even setting up a try for Epel Kapinias.

There was no one to be blamed but themselves and the Kumuls learnt that the hard way. Fiji were better prepared with Captain Tui Kamikamica praising the teams effort during the week.

He said they were focused on controlling the game off the ruck and managed to subdue the PNG attack and keep them on the back foot.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata says he knows what the team is capable of and the Fiji Bati side is a wealth of talent. The Coach pointed out that with a combination of skill, natural born talent and hard work, they have a strong side that will make sure they give their best in the final on Sunday.

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Rugby League

Fiji Bati Anticipating a Forwards Battle

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Fiji Bati

Fiji Boasts a star studded NRL backline and a forward pack that devastated the Cook Islands last week. The Batis blooded 9 players in the team against the Cooks and Coach Waisake Kativerata says they are not here to make the numbers but to score points.

Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica says to win they need to put pressure on the PNG forwards and use offloads to create scoring opportunities.

Fiji’s backline of Maika Sivo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake and Jahream Bula last week combined a total run meters of 869 meters amongst themselves and a total of 19 tackle breaks.

Considering the Cook Islanders were short of few players down with injury, the Fijians young forward pack managed to out muscle the Cooks up the middle.

In the end Fiji Bati were left with minor bruises while the Cooks were winded by the Fijians.

Fiji Bati were slow to gel as a team, with the coach attributing to the fact that the team was only in camp for a week. But the team did manage to pick up in the second half. It was 6-4 in favor of Cook Islands at half time, but it was Fiji who pulled together in the second half and with five minutes on the clock.

Panthers premiership winning winger Sunia Turuva scored the match winner to snatch the win 22-18.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata said that it’s a privilege to make his coaching debut in PNG where the crowds are mad rugby league supporters. He praised the fans for knowing the players well and he added the support was immense for the Fiji players.

But he knows PNG has a strong support at home and they always lift the team to go above and beyond and that goes for the teams forward pack as well. Kativerata commended PNG for having depth up the middle.

“PNG has a good power play up the middle. If we can control the ruck properly it will be to our advantage. We have a lot of Fijian supporters in PNG. They know Sivo and the other NRL players.
“It’s a young team, and this game will help us a lot we are not here to make up the numbers we can score points to win,” Kativerata said.

It’s no secret that PNG have a strong defense and Captain Tui Kamikamica is no stranger to the Kumuls defense and knows the only way to win is to control the game at the rucks and up the middle.

“We just need to be physical in the ruck, we get a bit of momentum in the middle we can lead to offloads, it’s a learning curve. A lot of young guys playing in the team. We need to learn from our mistakes and to play with PNG we have to be physical,” Kamikamica said.

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Rugby League

Edwin Ipape: Every time I wear the Kumul Jersey I Do Not Take it for Granted

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Edwin Ipape

Edwin Ipape headlines a number of key changes to the Kumuls side that will take on Fiji Bati this weekend. Edwin was passionate during an interview and says he never takes the Kumuls jumper for granted.

“Every time I wear the Kumuls Jersey I do not take it for granted and I play to the best of my ability to get the win,” Edwin Ipape said.

He has the passion for the Kumuls and remembers always longing to be in that jumper as a young Papua New Guinean playing backyard footy.

“It means everything as a young man growing up I always dreamed of being a Kumul it is the pinnacle of Papua New Guinea rugby league. I always picked up the ball and commentated myself running a play.

“I remember watching all the Kumuls legends during my time, Larsen Marabe, Dion Aiye and the list goes on. When Kumuls lose I get very disappointed but we love the Kumuls, and we strive to produce the best.”

Justin Holbrook, PNG Kumuls Coach has confirmed that Ipape will be the starting hooker against the Fiji Bati. This pushes Judah Rimbu to the bench and Liam Horne to the extended bench. Edwin forms a very strong spine, with Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt in the halves and Alex Johnston at fullback. The Kumuls spine will be of great importance in keeping the game in control, against a Fiji side that has a NRL star-studded backline and a forward pack that looks to dominate up the middle.

Ipapes team mate at Leigh Leopards Lachlan Lam will be instrumental with Edwin to rekindle their collaboration at their club.

“We all know what Lachlan Lam is like when he puts on the Kumuls Jersey. He is a very competitive young man when he puts on the jersey,” Ipape said.

The inclusion of Rhys Martin, Wellington Albert, and Kevin Appo has caused changes to the side. With Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horn moved to the extended bench.

Benji Kot will replace Rodrick Tai at center; Tai has suffered a knee injury and has been sidelined. While Mekenzie Yei is also with injury.

Despite Fiji boasting a heavier pack and a NRL star studded line up in the backs, PNG continues to excel at home with a more that rousing home crowd. No doubt PNG will lift in their performance.

Wellington Albert is coming off a Betfred Championship win with the London Broncos and is not going to take the Fijians lightly. He is pumped and was very feisty and upbeat at training on Monday. He acknowledged the long standing Melanesian rivalry in rugby league. Adding that PNG has the size and tenacity to match the Fijians.

“Fijians are big and strong, same as the Kumuls. They have more NRL based players unlike us. They got big boys and we also have big boys,” Albert said with smile.

Coach Justin Holbrook says he will be re-assessing the team after the game and picking the best team for the final.

“Fiji is really strong on the outside backs, they got speed. We played very well against the Cook Islanders this time around. We just need to make sure we get our game right. The combinations are coming out well. Kyle and Lam in the halves combination doing well. Hope everyone can get behind us this Sunday in front of a sellout crowd,” Holbrook said.

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Rugby League

Farewell Cook Islanders

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Cook Islanders Farewell

It’s a rare sight to see rugby teams of Pacific countries coming together to share a meal off of the rugby field.

But that was what happened in Port Moresby yesterday when PNG Prime Minister, James Marape hosted a warm and culturally enriched dinner for PNG Kumuls, Fiji Batis, and Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams.

The dinner served as a farewell kaikai for the Cook Islands’ men’s and women’s teams. Who spent two memorable weeks in Port Moresby participating in the Pacific Championship Bowl tournament.

Marape thanked and acknowledged the Cook Islands and Fiji Rugby League Teams for their participation and stay in Port Moresby.

“The contacts that you make today are the ones you will keep forever. We appreciate that you have spent two weeks with us. Take the memories of Papua New Guinea with you as you return home. And consider visiting us again in the future,” Marape told the players.

The Fijian side will still be in country to prepare for their match against PNG this coming weekend.

Marape, while speaking to the players emphasized the potential collaboration between PNG and the Pacific Islands. Asserting that if PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australian NRL team, Pacific players will be an integral part of the team, based out of PNG.

“As Cook Islands leave, we thank you, on behalf of the entire 800 plus tribes of Papua New Guinea, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today,” Marape added.

Speaking as the big brother nation, Marape emphasised the sense of unity among Pacific Island countries.

“We regard the visiting teams as family, and all of us are part of one Pacific,” Marape remarked.

Marape believes the long-lasting friendships and contacts forged during this tournament will be treasured by the players.

” To the young players, he offered words of encouragement, highlighting their promising future in rugby league,” Marape concluded.

Farewell Cook Islanders
PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Cook Islands Womens team.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/more-matches-for-pacific-islanders/

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Rugby League

More Matches for Pacific Islanders

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Pacific Championship

The Pacific Championship has given renewed hope of further development of players from the pacific region.

There isn’t much representative rugby league for most national teams in the region. The revamped Pacific Test in its new version as the Pacific Championship offers that opportunity for players to feature at the international stage. In turn this could lead to opportunities for a shot either in the NRL or the WNRL.

The concept also provides national teams with the opportunity to have international matches outside of the World Cup.

Coach of the Samoan women’s team former NRL Player Jamie Soward says the concept should remain annually and be a benchmark for player selection for the NRL and WNRL.

Fiji Women’s Coach Shane Morris also wants the concept to continue and provide an opportunity for the women to experience international fixtures, Morris added that rugby league in Fiji is slowly picking up pace and concepts like the Pacific Championship drives the interests of players.

Pacific Championship

Cook Islands Captain Brad Takairangi said rugby league in the Cook Islands is very popular and concepts like the Pacific Championships is very important. Some countries don’t get much exposure on the international stage especially when its outside of the World Cup.

Pacific Championship

Recent: https://insidepng.com/judah-rimbu-impressive-on-debut/

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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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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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