PNG Kumuls

POMRFL Lauds Tepend’s Appointment

POMRFL Administrator and Competition Manager, Meke Maino on behalf of the league sent well wishes to the coach Tepend and lauded the PNG rugby league fraternity in their good choice.

“Don’t forget Coach Tepend was once a local PRL boy, just like his predecessor former Kumul Coach, Michael Marum. Tepend has achieved much as a coach and we are all excited, with 2022 Rugby League World Cup just around the corner,” added Maino.

Flanagan to help Tepend in PNG World Cup role

Tepend, who guided Lae Snax Tigers to six premierships in the PNG domestic competition before joining the coaching staff of the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup, will take over from Michael Marum after six years as his assistant.

Flanagan, who took Cronulla to their inaugural premiership in 2016 and is currently engaged as a list management consultant with St George Illawarra, will support and advise Tepend as Kumuls coaching consultant.

Tepend Appointed Kumuls Head Coach

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina made this announcement yesterday.

He said PNGRFL wanted to build on the success of the Kumuls over the last few years, and Tepend who has served as assistant coach to Marum over the last six years has the experience and qualifications to provide that continued growth and stability for the team. 
“We congratulate Stanley Tepend, he’s worked hard and built an impressive coaching career making him a well-respected coach in Papua New Guinea. We are confident that he will build on the success of the national team,” said Hondina.

Digicel's K7m Platinum Sponsorship

PNG’s leading telecommunications provider and digital operator is backing the two national teams, signing on as a Platinum Sponsor for three seasons commencing this year.

Digicel PNG’s Senior Vice President, Lorna McPherson said, “As Platinum Sponsors, I am equally delighted and excited to announce our commitment of over two million kina a year to our National Rugby League teams and flag bearers, the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids. This is indeed is a milestone sponsorship for us as we increase our level of support and investment in the sport of rugby league in PNG.”

New Kumuls coach to consider de Belin as PNG launch NRL bid

Highly regarded and long serving PNG coach Michael Marum, who took charge of the Kumuls in 2016 after Mal Meninga stepped down to accept the Australian job, recently resigned from the post and is considering a tilt at politics ahead of this year’s elections.

The PNGRFL is expected to announce Marum’s replacement next week to give the new coach time to prepare for the June 25 Pacific Test double header at Campbelltown Stadium, which also features a clash between Samoa and the Cook Islands.

Ex-Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters star passes away aged 33 after battle with MND

Maori represented the Sydney Roosters in the Toyota Cup in 2008 – a stint which earned him a call-up to the Papua New Guinea World Cup squad in the same year.

Maori, who could play anywhere along the backline as well as at halfback, played for the Newtown Jets, the Roosters’ feeder club in the NSWRL Cup competition, in 2009.

The PNG international would then go on to play for the Cronulla Sharks in the 2011 NSW Cup.

His story has been best described by himself on his GoFundMe page:

‘He’s keen’: Jack de Belin set to play for minnows at 2022 Rugby League World Cup

De Belin spent more than two years out of the NRL while fighting to clear his name in court and two hung juries ultimately saw charges against him dropped.

The former NSW Blues player returned to the competition with the Dragons this year and he now has more representative duties in his sights.

De Belin, 30, qualifies for the Kumuls via his grandmother and coach Michael Marum is keen to pick him.

“Jack is eligible,” Marum told AAP.

Former Kumul Patiliu Passes On

Patiliu aged 66, died at his Malaguna No.1 village in Rabaul on Monday October 4, after a long illness.

PNGRFL Chairman, Sandis Tsaka said late Patiliu was Kumul No. 10 and played in PNG’s first ever Test match against England on July 6, 1975 in Port Moresby.

“Harrison Patiliu debuted in that game captained by Paul Chue alongside fellow Islanders Billy Wartovo, Robin Guere, Henry Kavanamur and the likes of Rod Pearce, Vai Karava, Elijah Emori, late Tara Gau and late Lohia Daroa,” Tsaka said.

White Kumul Retires

The PNG International has played 11 international matches for the Kumuls since 2015. Affectionately known as the “white Kumul “Luke Page was part of the 2017 World Cup team that topped their Group undefeated before losing to Great Britain in the preliminary final.

In 2019 Page led the Kumuls to redeem themselves against Britain with their stunning 28-10 victory in front of thousands of jubilant fans at the Oil Search National Football stadium in Port Moresby.

Surprise visit by PNG Kumuls star

Mead was pleased to meet with the students and staff of the school to talk about sports and the power of learning through books on October 30th.

He encouraged the children to read, adding that “education and learning through reading contributed to improving their understanding of the world”.

For the teachers and parents who were there to witness the handover, Mead highlighted that it was important they continued to brew the love of books in the youngsters and encourage the ability of reading and comprehension.