​PNG Kumuls Beat Cook Islands in Pacific Championships Showdown

Kumuls Captain Lachlan Lam with 'man of the match seal'

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.

The Cook Islands kept the contest alive with early and second-half tries from Rua Ngatikaura, Reubenn Rennie, Caelys-Paul Putoko, Esom Ioka, and Delahia Wigmore. Ioka converted four of those efforts.

Leading 22–12 at halftime, the Kumuls maintained their rhythm throughout the match, despite a strong late surge by the visitors. PNG’s defense and discipline proved decisive, with Martin briefly sin-binned in the final minute.

Played in fine weather, the match offered fast, physical rugby league action that thrilled the Port Moresby crowd. The victory reinforced the Kumuls’ position as one of the Pacific’s most competitive sides.