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Papua New Guinea’s PNG Kumuls recorded an impressive 40–28 win over the Cook Islands Aitu in front of a lively crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The Kumuls produced a strong all-round performance, scoring seven tries and showing precision in attack. Robert Derby was a standout with two tries, while Rhyse Martin, Alex Johnston, Zac Laybutt, Morea Morea, and Gairo Voro also contributed. Martin’s accurate boot landed six conversions. Papua New Guinea Kumuls are set to clash with the New Zealand Kiwis on Sunday, 10th November, at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, Australia. This much-anticipated match follows the recent successes of the Kumuls in the Pacific Bowl series, where they showcased dominance in wins against Fiji Bati and the Cook Islands. Their upcoming battle against the Kiwis presents an opportunity for the Kumuls to potentially advance to tier-one status and secure a place in the prestigious Pacific Cup next year.
The Kumuls enter the match in high spirits, having defeated Fiji Bati 22-10 in the first Pacific Bowl series match held in Suva, Fiji. They continued their momentum in the second game, overcoming the Cook Islands with an impressive 42-20 victory at Oil Search National Football Stadium. These victories have not only boosted their confidence but also reinforced their standing within the Pacific rugby league community. Lachlan Lam, the skilled playmaker for Leigh Leopards in England's Super League, has been named captain of the Papua New Guinea Kumuls as they prepare to face the Cook Islands. This role honors a family tradition, as Lam steps into a position once held by his father, Adrian Lam, a legendary former Kumuls captain and influential rugby figure in Papua New Guinea. Lam’s appointment is anticipated to bring motivation and focus to the team and fans alike as the Kumuls head into this crucial match.
In 2017, Elizah Roltinga, a young rugby player from Jiwaka Province, dreamed of one day wearing the Kumuls jersey and representing Papua New Guinea on the national stage. While playing in local competitions, Roltinga set his sights on this ambitious goal, driven by a passion to achieve more. After years of hard work and dedication, Roltinga has not only achieved his dream but has also made a name for himself, now proudly representing his country in the Kumuls jersey.
Roltinga’s path to the Kumuls began with the Kimbe Cutters in the Digicel Cup, Papua New Guinea’s semi-professional rugby league. His impressive performances earned him a spot with the PNG SP Hunters, further showcasing his talent at a national level. These opportunities were instrumental in shaping his career, giving him valuable experience and exposure that helped him grow as a player. The Cutters and Hunters franchises provided the foundation for his development, guiding him toward the national team. Papua New Guinea’s national rugby league team made a strong start to their Pacific Bowl campaign with a 22-10 win over Fiji on Saturday night. The victory puts the Kumuls in a prime position to advance to the top tier of the Pacific Championships in 2025.
The match, held in Suva, marked Fiji's first home game in 24 years, and the Fijian fans filled the stadium with excitement. However, the Kumuls quickly silenced the crowd by taking control of the first half and building a 16-0 lead by halftime. Fiji struggled to match Papua New Guinea’s pace and intensity. The Papua New Guinea Kumuls have finalized their squad for the Rugby League Pacific Championships match against the Fiji Bati, taking place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji. A notable change includes Nene MacDonald transitioning to fullback, where his speed and experience will be vital in directing the backline. He will be backed by Elijah Roltinga, Robert Mathias, Rodrick Tai, and Robert Derby, creating a potent and dynamic attacking unit. In the halves, Super League standout Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt will lead the team's offensive strategy, ensuring the Kumuls maintain a strong attacking presence. Judah Rimbu steps into the hooker position, where his quick decision-making will be crucial for the team’s momentum. The Papua New Guinea Kumuls are eager to raise their profile and establish themselves as one of rugby league’s top-tier teams as they gear up to face the Fiji Bati in their opening Pacific Cup match. With the possibility of facing top teams such as Australia, New Zealand, or Tonga, the Kumuls are motivated to prove they belong among the sport’s elite. Led by seasoned players like Nene Macdonald, the team is ready to embrace the challenge and push for recognition at the highest level.
Macdonald, who has represented PNG in 16 Test matches, expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to compete against the best. He welcomed the opportunity to face one of the top three Pacific Cup nations if the Kumuls manage to retain their title under the new promotion-relegation system. “We need to win the upcoming matches, and so does Fiji. We’re playing to earn a spot in the main competition. Every player dreams of going up against top teams like Australia and New Zealand,” Macdonald said. PNG Rugby Star Edene Gebbie Awaits Full Fitness for Debut with Whitehaven Rugby League Club2/6/2024
PNG Rugby Star Edene Gebbie Awaits Full Fitness For Debut With Whitehaven Rugby League Club [Photo credit : Whitehaven Rugby League] Papua New Guinea international Edene Gebbie is diligently working to attain peak fitness before making his debut with the Whitehaven Rugby League Club. Having recently joined the club during the final stages of preseason, Gebbie, a former SP PNG Hunter, missed the recent Cumbrian derby against Barrow Raiders in the 1985 Cup fixture on Sunday, where Whitehaven suffered a 12-18 defeat at ORTUS Rec, United Kingdom. Jonty Gorley, the head coach of the club, explained that Gebbie has acclimatized well but requires additional time to ensure he is fully prepared before donning the No.1 jersey. In an interview with BBC Cumbria Sports, Gorley stated, "He’s only been in the country a couple of weeks. I don’t think we’re playing him next week. He is a bit off, to be fair, and our team is working that out." The Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls team has been announced to face Fiji Bati in the final round of the Pacific Championships
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Papua New Guinea Kumuls Breaking News & Match Reports and highligntsRugby League News by CategoryBringing all the latest rugby league news in PNG. If you want to contribute to this site with articles relating to sports please contact us here Pacific Bowl2025
PNG Kumuls 40 Cook Islands 28 PNG LNG Kumuls 22 Fiji Bati 10 PNG LNG Kumuls Cook Islands World CupPM'S XIIIDowner Rugby League 9s World Cup- PNG Kumuls 0 Australia 26
- PNG Kumuls 18 New Zealand Kiwis 18 - PNG Kumuls 23 USA Tomahawks 10 Pacific Test Results2019 - PNG Kumuls 28 Great Britain Lions 10
2019 - Fiji Bati 22 PNG Kumuls 20 2019 - PNG Kumls 6 Samoa 24 2018 - PNG Kumuls 26 Fiji Bati 14 2017 - PNG Kumuls 32 Cook Islands 22 2016 - PNG Kumuls 24 Fiji Bati 22 2015- Fiji Bati 22 PNG Kumuls 22 World Cup Results
Round 1 : PNG Kumuls 50 Wales 6 Round 2: PNG Kumuls 14 Ireland 6 Round 3 PNG Kumuls 64 USA 0 Quarter Finals : PNG Kumuls 6 England 36
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