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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.

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/

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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