2017 Rugby League World Cup

No room for Kangaroos complacency

Smith has been in this position of favouritism many times during his 50 Test matches for Australia, experiencing firsthand the pain of losing not only games, but tournaments when the Kangaroos have been fancied as winners before a whistle has even been blown.  

There is one loss in particular that stings more than others – a 34-20 defeat to the New Zealand Kiwis in 2008 that no one saw coming.  

Nations unite for World Cup launch

Tournament CEO Andrew Hill, chairman Dr George Peponis, OAM, and Queensland Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, were on hand to launch the 28-game series that culminates with the final in Brisbane on Saturday, December 2.

Tonga top Italy in World Cup warm-up

All eyes were on forwards Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, both playing their first match for Tonga since turning their backs on New Zealand and Australia, but the duo only played the first 20 minutes of the match.

Anti-doping session for Kumuls

The PNG Sports Anti-doping Organisation, in partnership with Sports Drug Testing International, carried out the session, which was conducted by three ‘Play True Pasifik’ anti-doping educators in training: Dr. Bernie Amof, Ilaita Gigimat and Richard Ora, including OSEP coordinator, Alurigo Ravusiro.

Lo happy to be back

“Michael Marum sent me a text about the selection and told me I had made the squad. I was so happy and very thankful for the opportunity to represent my country. I’m very honoured and proud,” said Lo.

“It’s been a while and so I’m really, really happy to be back.”

The 23-year-old added that he had settled in well ever since his return to PNG.

“It’s good to be playing alongside the boys again. It’s a nice feeling. It’s cool.”

He said he has learnt a lot from playing in the Kingstone Press League in England.

Rugby League World Cup to arrive in country

Chief Executive Officer of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Andrew Hill said PNG will be making history hosting three Rugby League World Cup 2017 matches in October and November of this year.

“Unfortunately, the Paul Barrière Trophy got stuck in Sydney and is on its way to Brisbane where I have been assured it will be on the Air Niugini flight arriving this afternoon.

“Rugby league is incredibly important to PNG, but equally PNG is extremely important to rugby league.

PNGRFL working with World Cup Committee to ensure safety

The World Cup will be played across played across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in four pools.

Three games will be played in PNG- October 28 and on November 5 and 12.

“Concerning security, it’s not up to the PNGRFL, the event is being organised by the World Cup Committee.

Countdown to the World Cup

RLWC CEO Andrew Hill was on hand to make the announcement on Thursday, with tickets to all group games now available for purchase.

Marum: We have to learn and move forward

In last night's press conference after PNG's 58-0 loss to the Australian PM's  XIII, Marum said PNG started off badly and never recovered from there.

"We allowed them to score in the first 10 minutes and we just couldn't stop them from there.

"We had a lot of chances but we didn't complete our sets and kept dropping balls and giving away penalties.

"That's something we have to learn from and move on forward," said Marum.

Marum added the effort was there on the day but it's now back to the drawing board.

Marum confirmed as Kumuls coach for World Cup

PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman, Sandis Tsaka, said the appointment of Marum was made during the PNGRFL meeting.

He said Marum got the nod after the Kumul’s win over Fiji in the Pacific Test in Sydney in May.

“The win has taken PNG to 11th spot in world rankings from 14th spot and proves he is the right person to start preparing the national team for the World Cup next year,” said Tsaka.