Michael Marum has been named as the PNG Kumuls coach for the upcoming Pacific Test against the Fiji Bati in May of this year.
His appointment was officially made known in a press conference this afternoon at the Holiday Inn, Port Moresby.
Marum made his debut for the Kumuls against France in the first game of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) in Paris. He is the 197th Kumul.
After his retirement, Marum took up a coaching role with the Agmark Gurias then on to the international stage that included playing assistant to Adrian Lam in the 2008 RLWC and recently assisted former Kumuls coach, Mal Meninga at last year’s Pacific Test.
The 42-year-old said it was an honour to be given the responsibility to coach the national team.
“I am thankful to the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) for their confidence in me,” said Marum.
He added he had learnt a lot from his time spent with some of the best coaches in the business in Mal Meninga and Wayne Bennett and he will impart this knowledge and skills to the team.
Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said Marum’s appointment was made at the last PNGRFL board meeting.
He explained Marum has been appointed as coach for the Pacific Test match and after this; the selection process for the Kumuls coach for other international matches for the leading into the 2017 RLWC will open up.
“Michael brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Kumuls and we know he will do the team and country proud,” said Tsaka.
The Kumuls will play the Fiji Bati on the 7th of May in Sydney, Australia.