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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”.

O’Neill to Kumuls: “Carry the Heart of our Nation on your Jerseys"

"I congratulate our Kumuls for a great win, you served your Nation proud today.

"This is the first time we have ever beaten Wales in the history of the Rugby League World Cup, and the highest points scored by our Kumuls in the history of the competition.

“The team performed strongly against a solid team from Wales, but lets never be complacent.  

"There are some strong teams you will meet in the future.

"Maintain your focus, stick to your training regime, and carry the heart of our Nation on your jerseys.

VIDEO: Kumuls impress home crowd

PNG walked all over Wales 50 points to 6.

 

Sophie Yaruso with more 

 

(Note that data charges apply when playing VIDEO content)

Kumuls open World Cup campaign with 50-6 triumph

Kumuls captain, David Mead and second rower, Rhyse Martin featured in the 10 tries to one thumping of the Dragons.

It was the Ase Boas, Wartovo Puara Jr and David Mead show to start things off.

The combination of the trio proved lethal with a double to Mead in the first ten minutes.

The Kumuls smelled more points and continued to hunt for more down the right wing.

Boas again played a hand in the third try, this time putting Nene Macdonald through a gap to score.

Kumuls leading 26-0 at break

The Kumuls maintained a strong presence in the first half to maintain the lead at the National Football Stadium this afternoon in Port Moresby.

Tries were scored by captain, David Mead, Nene Macdonald, Kato Ottio and Wellington Albert.

Meantime, the second half is currently underway.

 

More to follow

 

Marum names final 18 for clash with Wales

“A lot of fans will be coming in and also watching back at home. There’s a lot of pressure on us but it’s important we get off to a good start against Wales.

The Kumuls had their final training session this morning at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.

“We had the final session with the captain’s run. The 18 man-squad has been named and they’re looking forward to taking the field tomorrow.

Marum confirmed that vice-captain and five-eighth, Ase Boas will take the field tomorrow.

“Ase finished today’s session and he’s ready to go.

A blow to Kumuls’ preparations

Coach Michael Marum told reporters after the Captain’s run today that Griffin sustained a knee injury at training on Thursday.

Marum was openly disappointed, saying it is a blow to the Kumuls’ preparations.

Meanwhile, Willie Minoga has been promoted from the bench to replace Griffin and Marum is confident the PNG’s World Cup Ambassador will do his best.

However, it was not all bad news as Ase Boas ran freely and has been cleared to play.

Marum confirmed the 18-man side today with one to be omitted an hour before kick-off tomorrow.

Kumuls out and about at VC

PNG has never beaten Wales before and they hope to rewrite the record books this time around.

Two sleeps to the first 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between PNG Kumuls and Wales and some members of the Kumuls took time out of camp to take photos and sign autographs.

It was also an ideal time for keen rugby league followers to purchase their world cup tickets for Saturday’s match.

The home ground advantage will be a big boost for the Kumuls’ morale and it showed in today’s public outreach.

Team Welsh arrives

The Welshmen braced our shores ahead of Saturday’s showdown against the home side.

Arriving to a warm traditional welcome, the Wales team all in red looked cool, calm and collected.

Bracing the Port Moresby heat, these Welshmen have come with only one agenda and that is to win their first RLWC match against a strong PNG Kumuls outfit.

The best part about the Wales team is that some familiar faces from the Intrust Super Cup competition and NRL feeder clubs will face their PNG Hunters opposition once more.

Kumuls extended 21-man squad announced

“There could be changes between now and Saturday. We’ll come up with the final 18 on Friday afternoon, “said coach, Michael Marum.

Luke Page and Stanton Albert are the props while Canterbury Bulldogs pair, Rhyse Martin and Rod Griffin will be the second rowers with Paul Aiton to lock the scrum.

Five-eighth and vice-captain, Ase Boas who is still under an injury cloud has been named to start in the halves alongside brother Watson Boas, while Wartovo Puara Jnr is the hooker.