PNG Kumuls

This has paved way for UK-based Wartovo Puara Jnr and PNG Hunters captain, Moses Meninga, into the 15-man squad.

The Kumuls and the Oil Search PNG Orchids teams had their first run on Tuesday at the National Football Stadium.

Under the watchful eyes of head coach Michael Marum and his assistant, Digicel Cup Champions Lae Snax Tigers mentor, Stanley Tepend, the team had its first run as part of its bonding process. 

In a recent interview, the smiling fullback said he gladly welcomed the warm PNG weather and is looking forward to representing his country again.

Amean has returned after a successful 2019 season with the Barrow Raiders in England.

He returned with teammate and former PNG Hunters Wartovo Puara Jnr, after signing new contracts for the 2020 season.

At the recent signing of the official naming rights sponsor for the upcoming Great Britain Lions tour to PNG, Amean said it is an honour to once again represent his country when the PNG Kumuls take on the Lions next week.

The Samoans got off to a terrific start at Leichhardt Oval under lights when Jarome Luai took advantage of spacing in the Kumuls’ ruck, sliding over for his team’s first try of the match.

Jamayne Isaako converted for a 6-point lead four minutes into the 2019 Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational match.

The monster Samoan forward pack kept battering the PNG defense but superb performance by the Kumuls kept them at bay until 20 minutes into the match when Josh Aloiai once again capitalises on gaps within the Kumuls’ line.

It makes for an interesting match-up in the 2019 Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational between two nations with not a lot of playing history against each other.

Different styles and different strengths mean on-paper analysis leads to a few possibilities in the outcome.

Will Samoa, boosted by the return of Martin Taupau, power straight through the middle? Or can the more nimble PNG playmakers use speed and skill to stand-up the Samoans?

The Rundown

Key match-up

Specialist advisor to PHA, Raj Juta, announced this at a media conference in Port Moresby.

“PHA is delighted to announce this landmark five year sponsorship with the PNGRFL as platinum sponsors of the PNG LNG Kumuls this year,” Juta said. “PHA will become naming rights sponsors of the PNG Kumuls starting next year 2020 when they will be known as PHA Kumuls until 2023.”

Juta also announced PHA’s partnership with PNGRFL for personal accident protection cover to all registered players and officials, including referees and employees.

Maroons Coach Kevin Walters made the announcement on Monday, December 17^th.

Martin (25), who grew up in Queensland, has been a strong performer for the Kumuls, especially during the 2017 World Cup.

This season he achieved his goal of playing in the NRL, with a memorable debut against the Brisbane Broncos in Round Nine, where he scored a try with his very first touch of the ball.

Macdonald debuted with the Roosters as a 20-year-old in 2014 and has emerged as one of competition’s top wingers during his stints with the Titans and Dragons.

Despite the unforgiving humidity, the Knights held off a Kumuls come back after taking an eight point lead in the first half.

Brendan Nima opened the scoring in 13^th minute when Nene McDonald tapped back a Watson Boas fifth last kick to Nima to score in the right corner. Watson Boas missed the conversion giving Kumuls a 4 – 0 lead.

After a penalty against Nene McDonald for dangerous play, the Knights would score in the 21^st minute when try scorer Nima allowed the ball to bounce in the in goal area  for Centre Liam Sutcliffe to score.

During Thursday’s training, Zev said he was more than excited to represent PNG on home ground, where he first started playing rugby league more than 5 years ago.

The 21 years old from Western Highlands could not believe his luck when he was selected to play for the PNG LNG Kumuls against the England Knights.

Zev is based in Melbourne Australia, and currently plays for the Victoria Thunderbolts, the development club for the Melbourne Storms.

“I will put in a hundred and ten per cent this Saturday.”

Macdonald was with the St George Illawarra Dragons this season after debuting for Sydney Roosters in 2014.

According to the North Queensland Cowboys official website, Macdonald has arrived at the club’s camp in preparation for the 2019 season.

The 24-year-old recently participated in the PM’s XIII in Port Moresby where Australia beat PNG 34 – 18.

Born in Port Moresby but growing up in North Queensland, Macdonald debuted in the red, black and gold jersey in 2013 – when he was 19 years of age.

So far he has played nine Test matches for the PNG Kumuls. 

Australia shocked a well-set PNG side with its first three tries, all in the first 20 minutes of play.

What was more shocking was the sudden rush of spectators jumping over the stadium barriers and onto the field.

Reports came in later, saying the stadium flood lights at the West end was toppling over, causing spectators to run onto the field.

Yet this minor disturbance did not disturb the flow of defense and attack of the Australians.

PNG also got back right on it, and just before the half time whistle, put on the scoreboard its first 6 points.