Last Saturday’s triumph for the PNG LNG Kumuls made it three wins from four test matches played in four years.
“It is also two out of two for Coach Michael Marum since his appointment to the top job in 2016,” said Chairman of the PNG Rugby Football League, Sandis Tsaka.
Tsaka added this was a positive indication of the progress the sport and the national team has made since the new Board took over in 2014.
“Every Kumuls win is significant because records show the Kumuls have won 20 games - with 14 at home and six away, and drawn two out of 76 Test matches played between 1974 and 2014,” added Tsaka.
He said the successful Pacific Test match is a great result that Coach Marum and the LNG Kumuls team can build on as part of their preparations for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup later this year.
“The performance on Saturday was a result of the sustained investment by the PNGRFL in our pathway programs over the past few years, including the SP PNG Hunters program, and we thank all our sponsors and partners who continue to support us in delivering these very successful programs from our junior schools program to the elite domestic and international programs,” said Tsaka.
He acknowledged the PNGRFL’s partners, especially the naming rights sponsor of the PNG LNG Kumuls – ExxonMobil and PNG LNG, official sponsors – National Gaming Control Board, and support partners – Boroko Motors, Digicel PNG, Coca-Cola and Air Niugini, for their continued support to the national team.
“We thank the people of PNG, the fans and supporters who motivated the team with great support during the week in camp and the many passionate supporters who travelled to Sydney to join our Australian-based PNG community, who turned out in great numbers and colour to support the boys during the week in Sydney and at the match in Campbelltown.
“The PNG LNG Kumuls’ impressive win and performance will remain in the memories of those who were at the game and those who watched it on television for many years to come,” said Tsaka.
Photo credit: NRL