Rugby League World Cup

The three matches scheduled for the PNG LNG Kumuls will all be staged at the National Football stadium and is set to attract an international following.

TV Wan Sports was in Sydney over the weekend, and the hype to the NRL grand final and the SP PNG Hunters playing the curtain raiser to that match, was all it took to set the pace for PNG and international rugby league followers.

Meantime, local PNG league followers will get a chance to watch all PNG Kumuls matches against Wales, USA and Ireland all at the National Football Stadium.

The 38-year-old made his name in the 13-a-side game, winning NRL titles with the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs at both ends of his career and starring for Queensland, the Kangaroos and Fiji Bati, either side of an equally impressive stint in rugby union.

The loosening of representative rules means a player with dual eligibility that misses out on selection for Australia, New Zealand or England can still play for a second tier nation at the World Cup.

Tuqiri said that has got to be good news for Pacific nations.

Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish said the squad he named to take on England was probably the strongest he's selected in his four years in charge.

Wing Antonio Winterstein believes they're more than capable of causing an upset.

"When you put that blue jersey on you go in there to do your best and to do your country proud so definitely be going out there to get a result," he said.

"We believe we've got the team to do it so the result is the big picture but, at the end of the day, the boys are going out there and doing their best for their country."

During this short visit, many people from all walks of life – school kids, villagers, sports people, and general members of the public had an opportunity to see it.

The trophy arrived last Thursday afternoon and visited the Oil Search head office in Port Moresby, accompanied by RLWC officials and Oil Search Trophy Tour ambassador, Marcus Bai.

It was then taken to the NCDC City Hall.

The following day it continued with visits to the Motuan villages of Porebada and Hanuabada where former PNG Kumul players joined in the festivities. 

The former head coach of the Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors has agreed to take charge of The Cedars at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Cleary has a wealth of coaching experience, overseeing the Warriors’ NRL side between 2006 and 2011, before starting a three-year stint with the Panthers in 2012 with a total of 249 games experience under his belt.

Speaking about his appointment, Cleary said the opportunity to guide a developing nation to this year’s Rugby League World Cup was one that he was eager to take up.

The Prime Minister said he is glad the matches have started well and that he appreciates the record crowds enjoying football in Papua New Guinea.

"In a world of uncertainty, sport is the great unifier,” the Prime Minister said.

"These young women are coming from around the world, from fifteen other countries, to compete in our country at the highest level for their age.

“Papua New Guineans will show them the greatest hospitality possible and see that they return home with great memories.

The Rock thrashed South Africa 48-4 during their last hit-out in May and are now ranked 32nd in the world.

The 17th ranked Cook Islands will use the game on October the third as preparation for their Rugby League World Cup qualifying match against Tonga two weeks later.

Niue coach Brendan Perenara says even though the match doesn't have test status or rankings points on offer, going up against the Cook Islands will be the biggest game in their history.

The Cook Islands were one of five Pacific countries to contest the last World Cup but face a winner-takes-all playoff against Tonga in October to secure their spot in the 2017 event.

The annual Pacific Test programme has been running for three years but the Kukis have so far missed out, with Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea all featuring in games.

The President of Cook Islands Rugby League, Charles Carlson, says if the other Pacific countries won't play them they will have to find teams that will.