Mal Meninga

Speaking after Saturday's game, Meninga commended the efforts of the NGCB PNG PM's XIII.

"I thought the effort tonight from PNG was really spirited.

"They had great attitude playing against one of the best teams in the world.

"Considering the players Michael had at his helm, I thought PNG did extemely well,"I think the future of rugby league in PNG is pretty bright" said Meninga.

He added there were a lot of good perfromances from the  PNG players.

Meninga was the architect behind the Maroons' past decade of dominance and in his new role as the Kangaroos coach found himself a guest of Blues counterpart Laurie Daley at ANZ Stadium. 

Meninga was quite forthcoming when discussing how crucial his presence was in terms of picking future Kangaroos teams. 

James Tamou, Blake Ferguson, the injured Josh Dugan and Blues skipper Paul Gallen were the only New South Welshman named for Australia in the trans-Tasman Test against New Zealand earlier this month.

This was confirmed by PNGRFL Chairman, Sandis Tsaka in a press statement today.

Meninga was appointed coach of the Australian Kangaroos succeeding Tim Sheens this month.

Tsaka thanked Meninga for his work with the PNGRFL as Kumuls coach since 2014.

“Mal is an icon of the sport and the value, profile and integrity he brought to the game in PNG with his involvement with rugby league in PNG has been highly appreciated.  

“We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours,” said Tsaka.

Mal Meninga was announced as the new Australian head coach during week, despite still being contracted to PNG Rugby League until the 2017 World Cup.

PNG Rugby League CEO, Bob Cutmore, says there have been informal discussions over the past month about who could replace Meninga, if he accepted the Kangaroos job.

He says his personal preference would be to appoint a Papua New Guinean coach and surround him with experienced mentors.