Former Kumul Patiliu Passes On

The PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the rugby league family especially from Malaguna, Rabaul in East New Britain Province are mourning the death of former PNG Kumul, Harrison Patiliu.

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.

He began his rugby league career in 1973 with the Rabaul Crusaders while a student at the Malaguna Technical School in Rabaul. 

In 1974, late Harrison transferred to Port Moresby to study at Idubada Technical college now Port Moresby Technical college and joined the Hanuabada Hawks rugby league club. 

That year he represented Southern Zone to play against Highlands Zone in Goroka.

He continued playing with Hanuabada Hawks in 1975 and was instrumental in Hawks winning the Port Moresby Rugby League premiership that year. 

“That good form earned him selection in PNG’s first national Kumuls team as a second rower in the first ever Test match against England on July 6, 1975 in Port Moresby,” Tsaka said.

Late Harrison returned to Rabaul in 1977, and continued playing in the Rabaul league competition and represented New Guinea Islands zone on several occasions.

 “On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, management and staff, PNG LNG Kumuls Coach Michael Marum, all players past and present and the rugby league family throughout the country, we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Eva Patiliu, son Ephraim junior, daughter Nemika and his five grandchildren on the passing of a husband, dad and bubu,” Tsaka said.

 A funeral service was held on the 6th of October, 2021, at Malaguna United church followed by burial at the Malaguna cemetery in Rabaul. 

 PNG LNG Kumuls Coach, Michael Marum represented PNGRFL along with former PNG Kumuls David Tamtu, James Kapia, Lucas Solbat, August Joseph and Chris Purkikil and presented a Kumul jersey to the family.

 

Rest in Eternal Peace….Kumul#10 Harrison Patiliu.

Author: 
Loop Author