PNG Kumuls

Page excluded in Kumuls squad

Coach Michael Marum said this during the team’s announcement.

Marum added that Kurt Baptiste also missed out due to niggling injuries.

Marum said it was a tough decision for Page, who asked not to be included in the squad due to personal commitments.

“Luke Page really wanted to play but the last time he missed eight weeks, he missed out a lot on his work so, while he is playing he’s also employed and got a job there, so he’s asked if he can be considered for the next games so I’ve allowed him to do that.”

Kumuls outclass Bati

Ranked 10th in World Rugby League, PNG outclassed the fifth placed and much fancied Fiji team.

Junior Rau scored the first of his double on debut in the 13th minute after Watson Boas fought off the defensive line.

Four minutes later Luke Page socred under the post after James Segeyaro offloaded following a Kumuls raid.

Rhyse Martin kick a penalty in the 23rd minute after Boas was hit late in a fifth last tackle.

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Wera to miss Test over biting charge

Wera was suspended after being cited for ‘biting’ an opponent during last Friday’s match against the Ipswich Jets.

Wera will miss this week’s Test and the Hunters’ next match.

His suspension is another blow to the Kumuls following the withdrawal of Nene Macdonald by the St George Illawarra Dragons’ medical team for a shoulder injury.

Coach Michael Marum has shifted his backline, naming Justin Olam at fullback.

Junior Rau will debut as Kumul No. 285 on the wing and Rhadley Brawa becomes Kumul No. 286 when he runs off the bench.

The team is:

Marum defends Kumuls selection

He said this when questioned why no Digicel Cup players were not selected in the Kumuls Squad.

Marum said they are sticking with players from the NRL and Queensland and New South Wales Cup competitions given their level of competitiveness.

“We have a standard here, and we’ve won the Pacific Test two years in a row now so it will always be like that, and we can’t go down to that level.

“If you consider the level up there it is too tough. And I respect all the level there but at the moment our focus is on our best players,” said the coach.

PNG Kumuls squad announced

Among them are two debutants in Junior Rau and Rhadley Brawa.

Obvious exclusions include Ase Boas and Wartovo Puara Junior, while the remaining players are from the National Rugby League in Australia and the Queensland Cup.

The full PNG Kumuls squad (in alphabetical order) include:

1. Adex Wera (Hunters)

2. Enock Maki (Hunters)

3. James Segeyaro (Cronulla Sharks)

4. Junior Rau (Hunters)

5. Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)

6. Kurt Baptiste (Sydney Roosters)

7. Lachlan Lam (Sydney Roosters)

8. Luke Page (Burleigh Bears)

Kumuls to be named on June 16

After the Kumuls and PNG Orchids 2018 calendar was made public, Kumuls coach Michael Marum said he will announce the team after the Hunters round 15 clash against the Ipswich Jets down South.

He said players will be selected from the Queensland Intrust Super Cup, NSW Cup and NRL competitions only.

The Kumuls will assemble in Sydney on Monday, June 18, to prepare for the Pacific Test.

Hunters players to be counselled

Ottio, who had been due to fly to England with Kumuls teammate Wellington Albert on Thursday to join Super League club Widnes, passed away at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby at 2am on Tuesday after collapsing during a road run on Sunday.

Hunters players held a bedside vigil for the 23-year-old, who had asked to join the session with the Queensland Cup premiers at short notice.

A former Kumul passes on

Tinemau aged 63 from Chimbu died in Mt Hagen on Monday after a long illness.

“David was Kumul No. 43. He made his debut against France in 1979,” Chairman Sandis Tsaka said.

David played three Tests and scored one try. He was a prolific winger and centre. David was also a former Chairman of Selectors of the PNG Kumuls.

“On behalf of the PNGRFL and the rugby league family, we extend our sincere condolences to his son Linston and the families on the passing of his dad,” Tsaka said.

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Crowds gather as PNG takes on Wales

Loop PNG observed a very controlled crowd as both ends of the roads leading to the main entrance of the stadium was blocked off to vehicles.

Only people were allowed to enter and stand in line to go into the stadium.

It was noted also that police were on high alert as well since the morning to maintain crowd control and normalcy.

Police say they will not tolerate any misbehaving from the people who will be going in, let alone the crowd that will be hanging around outside the stadium.

Fun learning for Boera students

“I really enjoyed it. We learnt a lot about rugby league and now we’re really into it. We also learnt skills on how to be nice and how to treat people,” said student Anella Ninikin.

“It was my first time to meet the Kumuls and I was so happy to learn new skills from them,” said Poi Morea.

Asked who their favourite player was, both Grade Seven students answered: James Segeyaro.

“Today’s clinic taught me how to play better rugby league in my favourite position, playing hooker here in the village,” said Billy Kini.