PNG Kumul

Vale Tu'u Maori

Always up for a challenge on the field – be it with Ipswich, for the Sydney Roosters, Newtown Jets, Cronulla Sharks or Melbourne Storm – Maori was there leading the way.

Maori also represented Papua New Guinea in the 2008 World Cup and 2009 Pacific Cup.

Off the field, Maori took up the fight against MND when he was diagnosed in 2019 and sadly lost that battle at the age of 33 on January 3.

Albert glad to have PNG players in UK

He had initially played with them in the same team in PNG but this time, they will be competing against each other.

The 24-year-old, who is from a remote village near Mendi, Southern Highlands, expressed excitement after the signing of Ase and Watson Boas for the 2019 season of the Betfred Championship in England.

“I love playing alongside them but now I’ll play against them in (the) Championship,” said Albert.

“I love them coming over as well. Good to have PNG boys in England.”

Another former PNG Kumul passes on

Daroa, aged 67 from Hanuabada in the nation’s capital, died in Port Moresby on Sunday after a short illness.

“Lohia was PNG Kumul No. 3,” said chairman Sandis Tsaka.

“He wore the first PNG Kumuls No.3 jersey as a centre in PNG’s first ever Test Match against England in Port Moresby in July, 1975.”

Daroa played two Tests. He was a member of the flamboyant Hanuabada Hawks side in the 70s and Southern Zone.

European club signs Albert

The 23-year-old joins the Vikings in the 2018 Betfred Super League season alongside fellow PNG Kumul, Kato Ottio.

Albert is known for his pace, power and physicality – standing at 194 centimetres tall and weighing at about 114 kilograms.

He joins the 35-man squad already named for the Betfred Super League season in the United Kingdom.

His move to the Vikings is subject to visa approval.

Head coach of Widnes Vikings, Denis Betts, said the Vikings are looking forward to welcoming Albert to the pre-season training at the earliest opportunity.

PNGRFL: Late Tara Gau a gentle giant

Tara Gau was PNG Kumul number 13 when he made his debut in the front row in PNG’s inaugural Test against England in 1975 in Port Moresby.

Gau, from Porebada played seven tests and retired in the late 1980s.

He was awarded Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal by the Queen in 1982 for his services and contributions to the sport of rugby league.

Tsaka said the passing of Gau had come as a shock to the rugby league community.