Michael Marum

100 games for Michael Marum

Under Marum’s reign, the Hunters have won 66, drawn 4 and lost 29 matches.

And today starts the Hunters’ campaign to defend their title.

The SP Hunters and Ipswich Jets match will kick off at the Oil Search National Football Stadium at 3pm.

Hunters in no rush to field Boas

There have been worrying signs for the Hunters captain who has been in pre-season training wearing a cast on his right hand.

“He had an accident in Kokopo after the Rugby League World Cup. His doctor has been working with him and will probably remove the cast this week and hopefully he (Ase) can start doing his contact work next week,” said Marum.

Marum added there is still time for Boas to recover before next month’s trial match against the Brisbane Broncos on the 24th at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

44 named in 2018 train on squad

Former co-captain Adam Korave returns after a year off and joins 19 current premiership winning SP Hunters players.

Among the 24 new faces are Digicel Cup premiers Lae Snax Tigers and PNG Prime Minister’s team captain Charlie Simon, Tigers team mates Junior Rop, Mark Piti and John Andy. This includes Digicel Cup runners up Agmark Guria captain Stanley Olo, Illa Alu and Dilbert Isaac. Nine players from the other Digicel Cup teams have been included.

PNG needs more players in the NRL

“We want to see a lot more of our players in the NRL and not just playing in feeder clubs.

“In order for us to be competitive in the next five years, we need another three or four David Meads playing in the Broncos.

“We have a few boys out there in the feeder clubs, but they need to do the hard work to get into the top 25 and be playing week in and week out in the NRL."

Marum said he is hoping to see PNG players who are contracted to NRL clubs break into the big league.

Kumuls go down fighting

Kumuls coach Michael Marum said they were in trouble after missing so many tackles early, allowing England to power home. Losing their skipper in the second minute also didn't help.

"It started off when we lost our captain David Mead through that first set," Marum said. 

Kumuls expect lift in intensity for England

The Kumuls looked to be tight-knit and were in good spirits during their training sessions throughout the week, frequently sharing jokes and laughter.

Marum: Ireland a tough side

“They will be a tough side. They’ve been based out of Cairns and are used to the heat and have acclimatised well.

“But we’re going to go out there and play well against them. We’re not thinking that it’s hot up here so they will struggle, that was our advantage over Wales last weekend.

“Ireland is a totally different side with 14 Super League players,” said Marum.

Tomorrow’s Pool C match kicks off at 4pm at the Oil Search National Football Stadium. 

Marum given all clear: Team doctor

Marum was taken to hospital straight after the big win over Wales yesterday (Saturday) after experiencing cramps to his arms and ribs.

Kumuls Team Doctor Gideon Kendino said the coach had cramps on his arms and around the ribs. “The match doctors checked him in the dressing room and due to RLWC protocols and requirements, he was taken to hospital to ensure full medical checks were done,” Dr Kendino said.

Marum is okay

Speaking to PNG Loop this morning, the Media Manager for PNG Rugby League, Ephata Samuel, confirmed that whilst Marum was taken in for checks, he assures that the coach is okay.

Samuel says that Marum was experiencing discomfort in his right arm and was checked by medical officers while in the dressing room after the match.

“He was advised to just go into hospital just for clearance and checks.

“All tests came back okay, and he was cleared to be released”.

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.