The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is thankful for the return of international rugby league matches after a two-year absence.
PNGRFL Board Chairman, Sandis Tsaka
In a statement PNGRFL Board Chairman, Sandis Tsaka acknowledge the support of the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) for supporting the mid-year international matches for the Pacific nations this year.
Tsaka said with the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) scheduled later this year, the PNG LNG Kumuls are looking forward to the mid-year test as an opportunity to build the national team.
“The PNG LNG Kumuls and the Fiji Batis have had a great Melanesian rivalry over the last few years and this year’s international meet will be another exciting chapter,” said Chairman Tsaka.
He also stated that the resignation of PNG LNG Kumuls Coach, Michael Marum as well as some key players will provide opportunities for new players to continue to build on the great success that the national men’s rugby league team has had over the last eight years.
Chairman Tsaka said PNGRFL is completing the process for the appointment of the new Kumuls’ Head Coach with the announcement to be made next week.
“The extended PNG LNG Kumuls’ squad for the mid-year test will be finalized by the new Head Coach and the PNG national selectors,” said Tsaka.
PNGRFL is optimistic the wide pool of talented PNG players playing in the NRL, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and the New South Wales Rugby League Competition (NSWRLC), will see selectors assemble a strong team for the mid-year Kumuls test and also preparations towards the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
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