THE Papua New Guinea Kumuls camp in Port Moresby aims to establish a strong connection between the players, local fans and the country before the Rugby League World Cup, coach Stanley Tepend says. “The players needed to feel a sense of ownership of the team. It’s important that they see the country is behind them, and to be seen off by our fans in person means that when they play, they can relate directly to it,” Tepend said. He said some players in his 24-man squad have not visited the country for a number of years. The former Lae Tigers premiership winning coach said that it was important that the players reconnected with PNG and the fans before departing to England on Thursday.
“It was important that we assembled in Port Moresby,” Tepend said. “We could have chosen Brisbane or Sydney but as coach and the management felt that it was important for the Australian-based players to come here and get connected and get the feel of Port Moresby. “Port Moresby is only a small part of PNG but we have people from all over residing here so it’s fitting for us to camp here. “For players like Jacob Alick and Xavier Coates, they haven’t been back here since they were kids so it was important that we get that part right.” Tepend said England-based players Nene Macdonald, Edwin Ipape, Lachlan Lam, Wellington Albert and Watson Boas would join the rest of Kumuls contingent when they arrive in England. “Players based in UK will join us there but the core of the team is based in Australia and PNG so it was fitting that we assemble in Port Moresby.” Source : The National / THE KUMULS Next : NRL's Top Try-Scoring Machine Alex Johnston Boosts PNG Kumuls Backline Comments are closed.
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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 World CupPM'S XIIIDowner Rugby League 9s World Cup- PNG Kumuls 0 Australia 26
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