tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58937756570480861722024-03-19T01:47:45.679-07:00Rugby InsightsThe Home of Rugby News: Bringing all the latest Sports News around the worldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger826125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-74075491613712447092023-11-05T23:51:00.002-08:002023-11-05T23:51:38.302-08:00PNG Kumuls claim Pacific Championship Bowl following 32 - 12 win over Fiji Bati <p> PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls bounced back from last week’s loss as they beat Fiji Bati 32-12 to claim the Pacific Championship Bowl at Santos National Football Stadium yesterday.</p><p>North Queensland Cowboys winger Robert Derby starred for his team with a try double while hooker Edwin Ipape who muscled his way over for the first try terrorised the Bati from dummy-half earning the man-of-the-match award in his side’s five-try effort.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVTFj2oUnnp1TeivQ0eCrI1bN2mX9wrjBn6XzihNJhW25SzHvUen6JHsMSP1qLPMtzTe9XbAgLW1R2xBX3GQZoY2T_sy8CLznL4SR-NSTg_6FuTroDJRSH9DvXPDcuMhexbtqXI0vVfqp39BxlKjBraeY4yuDADfJQEhu3ohP2smCLgyLbJie-2jQs2Y/s2048/PNG%20Kumuls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVTFj2oUnnp1TeivQ0eCrI1bN2mX9wrjBn6XzihNJhW25SzHvUen6JHsMSP1qLPMtzTe9XbAgLW1R2xBX3GQZoY2T_sy8CLznL4SR-NSTg_6FuTroDJRSH9DvXPDcuMhexbtqXI0vVfqp39BxlKjBraeY4yuDADfJQEhu3ohP2smCLgyLbJie-2jQs2Y/s16000/PNG%20Kumuls.jpg" /></a></div><br />A dominant performance by Kumuls in the first half set the stage for the win as coach Justin Holbrook’s side piled on four unanswered tries, all converted by Martin, as well as a penalty goal for a 26-0 lead at the break.<p></p><p>Ipape scored first in the 15th minute as he beat five Fiji players to score. The Kumuls’ left edge combination of Lachlan Lam, linking up with Martin and Alex Johnston produced Derby’s double over the next 15 minutes before Johnston scored one on the stroke of half-time capping off a Zac Laybutt break.</p><p>Kumuls were on the attack early in the second-half but they missed their opportunities with a couple of errors allowing the Bati score their first try through centre Waqa Blake.</p><p>The Kyle Laybutt-captained side were under pressure when the Bati seemed to find their rhythm in the second-half as Blake completed his double with 12 minutes remaining. Back-to-back conversions from halfback Brandon Wakeham saw Bati reduced the margin to 14 as they trailed 12-26.</p><p>The Kumuls found themselves a man down after front-rower Epel Kapinias founding himself in the bin for punching Bati back-rower Taane Milne after the South Sydney Rabbitohs back clipped Kumuls centre Rodrick Tai high causing a melee in-goal. However Kapinias had the last laugh when he late in the match to seal things.</p><p>Holbrook said after that game it was a great feeling to win the Bowl for the country. “It’s a really good win for the players, the Kumuls staff and the whole country,” Holbrook said.</p><p>“It was a hard week to pick the side but I knew Edwin Ipape would bounce back from last week, Liam Horne was great through the middle and Judah Rimbu all had impact in the game.</p><p>“Everyone put on a great performance. I think some of these players deserve an opportunity in the NRL. Players like Kyle Laybutt is an outstanding player and others and they deserve opportunities and I hope they get them.</p><p>“We enjoyed the whole campaign and we bounced back exactly the way we wanted.”</p><p><br /></p><p>The National / Rugby Insights</p><p><br /></p><p>Also read</p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/10/png-kumuls-team-for-pacific.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #990000;">PNG Kumuls Team for Pacific Championships</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-58677434803840879822023-10-04T19:42:00.004-07:002023-10-04T19:42:35.403-07:00PNG Kumuls Team for Pacific Championships <p>The Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) CEO, Mr. Stanley Hondina together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk in a press release, announced the 21-person squads for the upcoming Pacific Championships this October – November 2023. Papua New Guinea will participate with the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids, playing matches in Port Moresby. </p><p>The teams under Head Coaches Justin Holbrook of the PNG LNG Kumuls and Ben Jeffries of the Santos PNG Orchids, are set to field the best available athletes in the sport, competing at the highest possible level and also exposing talent having come through the existing PNGRFL pathways. </p><p>Mr. Hondina shared, “With the excitement from the Prime Minister’s XIII and finally having international exhibition and test matches now returning to PNG, we are seeing the different levels of the pathway for our game highlight the ability of our pool of players from the various national championships and now the mentioned matches.”</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO3Q5-ddu6ezffypctrAw6PpxlTj7H14m2FTHmjwspq9-B2chAXm2k3fOGpxQNs40DQERGYuXdhA0rpD-XYUWoP6-byan_JehwDrBgI2En6lPFCZJypw5z3JJ0Y8iUHj_KUdGszwY1uQO_Th_JhJhNTB_fJVjZ3YzjtvM022Tv5o8csW7TzPeaElJ6HI/s640/PNG%20Kumuls%20Squad%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO3Q5-ddu6ezffypctrAw6PpxlTj7H14m2FTHmjwspq9-B2chAXm2k3fOGpxQNs40DQERGYuXdhA0rpD-XYUWoP6-byan_JehwDrBgI2En6lPFCZJypw5z3JJ0Y8iUHj_KUdGszwY1uQO_Th_JhJhNTB_fJVjZ3YzjtvM022Tv5o8csW7TzPeaElJ6HI/s16000/PNG%20Kumuls%20Squad%202023.jpg" /></a></div><br />“Our Coaches have been entrusted to engage and take our teams to where they need to be for these matches and I take this time to thank them for their leadership and wish them the best as they prepare for their upcoming matches,” Hondina added.<p></p><p>The PNG LNG Kumuls will vie for the Pacific Championship Bowl.</p><p>Match 1: 15th October 2023 Santos National Football Stadium</p><p>Match 2: 29th October 2023, Santos National Football Stadium</p><p>Match 3- Finals TBC- 5th November 2023 at the Santos National Football Stadium.</p><p>PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook, will lead his team boasting PNG exports to England, Edwin Ipape of the Leigh Leopards and Wellington Albert of the London Broncos. The squad sees the injection of seasoned Kumul and RLWC Captain, Rhyse Martin, alongside the likes of NRL top performer, Alex Johnston. New faces to the squad include, Jack De Belin next to experienced Kumuls forward, Dan Russell both from NRL side, St. George Illawarra. The Pacific Bowl series will also likely see PNG Hunters, Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop and Valentine Richard earn their Kumuls numbers as they make their debuts.</p><p>Wapu Sonk, Chairman of the PNG LNG Kumuls, said, “We saw an outstanding effort from our PMXIII’s side in September and it is a privilege to announce this year’s Pacific Championship squad, with a high calibre of our PNG players assembling from Australia, England and Papua New Guinea, to fly our flag for the first test match in country, since the 2019 Great Britain Lions match.”</p><p>The Pacific Championships squads are as below: </p><p>PNG LNG KUMULS</p><p>Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitoh), Benji Kot (PNG Hunters), Dan Russell (St. George Illawarra Dragons), Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards), Epel Kapinias (PNG Hunters), Jack De Belin (St. George Illawarra Dragons), Jacob Alick (Gold Coast Titans), Judah Rimbu (PNG Hunters), Junior Rop (PNG Hunters), Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Keven Appo (Bradford Bulls), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Liam Horne (Castleford Tigers), Mckenzie Yei (Featherstone Rovers), Nene Macdonald (Leeds Rhinos), Nixon Putt (Castleford Tigers), Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos), Robert Derby (North Queensland Cowboys), Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters), Valentine Richard (Central Qld Capras), Wellington Albert (London Broncos), Zac Laybutt (North Queensland Cowboys).</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/10/australian-kangaroos-team-for-2023.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">Australian Kangaroos team for 2023 Pacific Championships</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-37431970584879701052023-10-03T15:46:00.004-07:002023-10-03T15:46:29.507-07:00Australian Kangaroos team for 2023 Pacific Championships <p> The Australian Kangaroos team for the 2023 Pacific Championships has been announced. Australia will take on Samoa and New Zealand. </p><p>The Team</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPANcu-R-AUe4oBmShyphenhyphenY-zbHT3p8Hd1EzaHWeiTgTzkGMfxVT6o1MlRAlwohXnBV6eJbUInLQKHEz8TbpPLjM5CSPl9E90nfc5Sff5pyxTTWlNIruj4ytio6bR9VYPqRj-RuPDX1lufEuMcp82xrZ-7ssq7aBEL9o7n8A0Fz67l_DX_WNT25UE_uLEVg8/s640/Australian%20Kangaroos%20team%20for%20pacific%20championships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPANcu-R-AUe4oBmShyphenhyphenY-zbHT3p8Hd1EzaHWeiTgTzkGMfxVT6o1MlRAlwohXnBV6eJbUInLQKHEz8TbpPLjM5CSPl9E90nfc5Sff5pyxTTWlNIruj4ytio6bR9VYPqRj-RuPDX1lufEuMcp82xrZ-7ssq7aBEL9o7n8A0Fz67l_DX_WNT25UE_uLEVg8/s16000/Australian%20Kangaroos%20team%20for%20pacific%20championships.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Coached by Mal Meninga </p><p><br /></p><p>Also read</p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/10/cleary-masterclass-as-penrith-panthers.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">Cleary masterclass as Penrith Panthers beat Brisbane Broncos 26 - 24 in NRL Grand Final Thriller</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-53120436568218791422023-10-02T17:06:00.000-07:002023-10-02T17:06:06.303-07:00Cleary masterclass as Penrith Panthers beat Brisbane Broncos 26 - 24 in NRL Grand Final Thriller <p> SYDNEY: Nathan Cleary has engineered the greatest comeback in grand final history to hand Penrith a historic NRL three-peat with a 26-24 win over Brisbane.</p><p>Down 24-8 with 18 minutes to play, Cleary set up two tries and scored one of his own in the dying minutes to give the Panthers the lead and earn himself a second Clive Churchill Medal.</p><p>The most crucial of those came with three minutes left when Cleary darted back through the middle of the field to score and then convert take a two-point match-winning lead.</p><p>Penrith then held on for the final minutes, with Scott Sorensen intercepting a Reece Walsh offload to end Brisbane’s hopes of victory.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vxc4YN6VIl4WhbzcZvsly1ch0xpOD8AVtJDyGaPv1YfQK09_f8mGJ_HKTd8K2IuGCkETWib6bMyiaJ7KqznKVlQaphIXEdeszW1nOyPRI0Q34EGpGFbtRHGSH1r1Nleef_nxeWtiUYgRMb6knE1Ab89HPKnsZnXGET6d94_cBgMEWPsYECDRmpB5Hb8/s640/NRL%20Nathan%20Cleary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vxc4YN6VIl4WhbzcZvsly1ch0xpOD8AVtJDyGaPv1YfQK09_f8mGJ_HKTd8K2IuGCkETWib6bMyiaJ7KqznKVlQaphIXEdeszW1nOyPRI0Q34EGpGFbtRHGSH1r1Nleef_nxeWtiUYgRMb6knE1Ab89HPKnsZnXGET6d94_cBgMEWPsYECDRmpB5Hb8/s16000/NRL%20Nathan%20Cleary.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleary masterclass as Penrith Panthers beat Brisbane Broncos 26 - 24 in NRL Grand Final Thriller [Photo credit : Channel Nine]</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The win overtakes Melbourne’s comeback from 14 points down against St George Illawarra in 1999 as the biggest-ever in a decider.</p><p>The victory also stakes Penrith’s claim as one of the all-time great rugby league sides, becoming the first team since Parramatta in 1983 to win three straight titles.</p><p>But it hasn’t been completed in the NRL era or under a salary cap.</p><p>Making Cleary’s effort even more remarkable was that he did it without five-eighth Jarome Luai, who succumbed to a shoulder injury with 28 minutes to play.</p><p>Penrith looked shot early in the second half when Ezra Mam scored three tries in the space of 10 minutes to take Brisbane from 8-6 down to a 24-8 lead.</p><p>All three tries came from a distance, with Mam stepping past Lindsay Smith and Izack Tago for his first and Isaah Yeo and Cleary for his next.</p><p>Walsh then inserted himself into the game, stepping past Cleary, fending off Tago and putting Mam over for his hattrick.</p><p>But after his two defensive lapses, Cleary made up for it as he masterminded a Penrith fightback.</p><p>With 18 minutes to play, Cleary stepped through the Broncos’ line and put Moses Leota over, reducing the margin to 10.</p><p>From the next set he produced a pinpoint perfect 40-20, before sending Stephen Crichton over moments later following a Pat Carrigan error.</p><p>Then, just as Brisbane looked set to hold on, Cleary stepped through a broken defensive line to give the Panthers their fifth title and by far their most miraculous.</p><p>Penrith had earlier dominated the first half, but only had an 8-6 half-time lead to show for it when Thomas Flegler crashed over for Brisbane right on half time.</p><p>Despite their charge, the loss means the Broncos’ premiership drought will extend into a least an 18th season with their last premiership being won in 2006.</p><p>– AAP</p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/09/kalyn-ponga-is-2023-dally-m-medal-winner.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kalyn Ponga is 2023 Dally M Medal winner</span></a></h2><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-51646288108208751042023-09-27T15:59:00.000-07:002023-09-27T15:59:08.662-07:00 Kalyn Ponga is 2023 Dally M Medal winner <p> Kalyn Ponga has become the third Knights player to claim the game's highest individual honour after being named the 2023 Dally M Medal winner at a glittering ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday night.</p><p>The champion fullback joins Immortal Andrew Johns (1998, 1999, 2002) and Danny Buderus (2004) on Newcastle's Dally M honour roll after a superb season in which he led his team back to the finals after they finished 14th in 2022.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Bn4Zz7EMANhINQLFD8PeurI0B9lYO0U1CF3wzng9qHr41GH6K7LcKIdSUDaQ1QIAHonwxzoVzCJ-MDg0Tht0wg1inoqc7AIVepiYIxGBym5tZniWo9FG2qnC88QKTw-IbkaPdFaOsGb9FNWTcX7Av6ySKopeLijJQC-hOXGJe3YYSvpeeV7hPQWqeqk/s1455/PONGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Bn4Zz7EMANhINQLFD8PeurI0B9lYO0U1CF3wzng9qHr41GH6K7LcKIdSUDaQ1QIAHonwxzoVzCJ-MDg0Tht0wg1inoqc7AIVepiYIxGBym5tZniWo9FG2qnC88QKTw-IbkaPdFaOsGb9FNWTcX7Av6ySKopeLijJQC-hOXGJe3YYSvpeeV7hPQWqeqk/s16000/PONGA.jpg" /></a></div><br />Named as the Dally M Fullback of the Year in addition to the main award, Ponga had 21 try assists and 19 line breaks in his 20 matches, bursting to life in the second half of the season as the Knights won nine games on the trot to finish in fifth position.<p></p><p>Named as the Dally M Fullback of the Year in addition to the main award, Ponga had 21 try assists and 19 line breaks in his 20 matches, bursting to life in the second half of the season as the Knights won nine games on the trot to finish in fifth position.</p><p>Ponga averaged 145 run metres per game in 2023 and broke 96 tackles as he thrilled the Knights faithful with his attacking prowess.</p><p>Ponga beat Shaun Johnson in to claim the 2023 Dally M Medal.</p><p>NRL. Com</p><p><br /></p><p>Also read</p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/09/australia-pmxiii-beat-spirited-png-30-18.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">Australia PMXIII beat Spirited PNG 30 - 18</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-92023063987917385112023-09-23T04:06:00.005-07:002023-09-23T04:06:57.753-07:00Australia PMXIII beat Spirited PNG 30 - 18 <p> Australia continued their dominance over Papua New Guinea in the annual Prime Minister's XIII clash on Saturday afternoon, but were made to work for the full 80 minutes in an eventual 30-18 win. </p><p>Leading by just six as the closing minutes approached, it was only a Tyrell Sloan try just before full-time that secured victory for the visitors, who made 17 errors across the match and struggled to shake off PNG as a result. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvhMnI7rZk2Wx-ICh5AoYm65zJD-cbPAXwLkcBgi8sFj8L1UTxGFXTbmQduKStXUO1s4o1-Cbuzi41s9sFjCmVb9xi3rCSWLzVPkZx8RG-Vses7_KtdxyG15DTRbICR7zJ0b5oga_kr9_snlwkR1Z6kYzjT4imPN3BTMf_Kc_ClJC7PtWFUfRSVFdPyBm/s960/PNG%20Kumuls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvhMnI7rZk2Wx-ICh5AoYm65zJD-cbPAXwLkcBgi8sFj8L1UTxGFXTbmQduKStXUO1s4o1-Cbuzi41s9sFjCmVb9xi3rCSWLzVPkZx8RG-Vses7_KtdxyG15DTRbICR7zJ0b5oga_kr9_snlwkR1Z6kYzjT4imPN3BTMf_Kc_ClJC7PtWFUfRSVFdPyBm/s16000/PNG%20Kumuls.jpg" /></a></div><br />Despite fielding only a handful of players with NRL experience – in comparison to Australia who had eight World Cup winners and 12 players who appeared at Origin level this year in their squad – PNG were right in the contest for the first hour and had Australia sweating before their late flurry of points. <p></p><p>In the end tries to Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Sharks workaholic Cameron McInnes and Sloan got Mal Meninga's side home, with hooker Ben Hunt among their most impressive players as he pushed his claims for the Kangaroos' No.9 jersey in next month's Pacific Championships. </p><p>In what was one of their best showings in the end-of-year clash, the hosts got off to a dream start when Kyle Laybutt's cross-field kick was fumbled by the Australians and Nene Macdonald touched down, sending the packed crowd in Port Moresby into a frenzy of celebration. </p><p><br /></p><p>While the 6-0 lead would last only 10 minutes before Murray Taulagi hit back, it was clear from the arm wrestle that was taking place that PNG were well and truly up for it. </p><p>On the back of Laybutt's long kicking game – aided by a strong wind at the back of the hosts in the first half – the PNG side were able to keep forcing Australia to bring the ball back off their own line, but ended up going to the sheds down 12-6 after Hudson Young scored just before the break.</p><p>When Cruise Ten battled his way over to tie scores six minutes into the second period, coach Justin Holbrook looked on track to make a historic start to his coaching tenure in PNG, but eventually the class of Australia shone through. </p><p>Khan-Pereira continued his remarkable rookie season with a try, to go with the 20 he scored for the Gold Coast this year, before McInnes got over on 62 minutes to create some breathing room. </p><p>After Epel Kapinias had hit back to make it a one-score game with 10 to play, Australia survived some nervous moments to hold on, with Sloan's try just before the final siren and Zac Lomax's fifth conversion of the day sealed the win. </p><p><b>Match Snapshot</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Coached by Kangaroos mentor Mal Meninga, the Australian team featured several players with Test and Origin experience. </li><li>Last year's corresponding game was won 64-14 by the Australia PM's XIII.</li><li>No Australian forward ran for over 100 metres in the face of a spirited PNG defence. </li><li><br /></li><li>Australia made five line breaks to PNG's one. </li><li>Captain Cameron Murray led the way with 44 tackles, while Judah Rimbu had a team-high 30 for PNG.</li><li>Cruise Ten registered nine tackle breaks in the loss and ran for 98 metres. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>Play of the Game </b></p><p>A try that summed up the effort and passion shown by the PNG PM's XIII. Cruise Ten had no right to score at first as he took the ball into multiple green and gold jerseys, but kept fighting to emerge over the line and bring almost everyone at Santos National Football Stadium to their feet once again. </p><p><br /></p><p>Source : NRL.COM </p><p><br /></p><p>Also read</p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/09/australian-prime-ministers-xiii-squads.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squads named to face PNG</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-16360089731200874972023-09-12T19:23:00.004-07:002023-09-12T19:23:23.910-07:00Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squads named to face PNG <p> The Australian Rugby League Commission and the Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP have announced the Australian Men’s and Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads to take on PNG PM’s XIII teams at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, on Saturday, September 23.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRrh8gqMJL_M_0Ths3mt4S8pdoScbPhlcsBjvcbsIwdUJJ5t0wsJuyAMvBCj7hYl9iO8zXAZhf64z4BXJ7-EEH1zq1fJjiZLKWvCan6WN5GYf99AHLNiA8qnF-8xj_HeppcjA_aAUTsxo-Kt_nSPBHA3G2JB-KkzSAx_p8fL6ewW0wfqzHNl3UoYaL6U/s1224/PMIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRrh8gqMJL_M_0Ths3mt4S8pdoScbPhlcsBjvcbsIwdUJJ5t0wsJuyAMvBCj7hYl9iO8zXAZhf64z4BXJ7-EEH1zq1fJjiZLKWvCan6WN5GYf99AHLNiA8qnF-8xj_HeppcjA_aAUTsxo-Kt_nSPBHA3G2JB-KkzSAx_p8fL6ewW0wfqzHNl3UoYaL6U/s16000/PMIII.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squads named to face PNG [Photo by nrl.com]</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>The Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII will include eight representatives from the 2022 World Cup winning Kangaroos squad, for the first Prime Minister’s XIII encounter in PNG since 2018.</p><p><br /></p><p>The Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII has been selected with a view to giving some of the best up and coming players in the NRLW an opportunity alongside a number of established representative players including Kennedy Cherrington, Botille Vette-Welsh and Tallisha Harden.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Being Prime Minister is a great honour. I enjoy every part of the job, but a fun part is getting to pick the PM’s XIII sides,” Prime Minister Albanese said.</p><p><br /></p><p>“These contests represent far more than just a couple of games of footy. Papua New Guinea and Australia are the closest of neighbours and we are the best of friends. We are working together to build a more prosperous, stable and peaceful region. Rugby League is an opportunity to celebrate our friendship and strengthen our partnership.</p><p><br /></p><p>“I am really looking forward to Cam and Tallisha leading out their teams in Port Moresby, and know the contest will be great for the game, a thrill for all the players selected and another important step forward for our region.”</p><p><br /></p><p>ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM congratulated all players on their selection in a special team.</p><p><br /></p><p>“These players have performed exceptionally well throughout the season and have earned the chance to wear the green and gold for Australia,” Mr V’landys said.</p><p><br /></p><p>“I congratulate the players selected for both teams as to represent your country is the ultimate achievement. It’s also an inspiration for fans in Australia and of course the fans in PNG, where rugby league means so much."</p><p><br /></p><p>Australian Men’s PM’s XIII Coach Mal Meninga said the match would provide a selection guide ahead of the first ever Pacific Championships, across October and November.</p><p><br /></p><p>“This squad is a blend of experience from the World Cup last year, additional State of Origin players from this year, as well as younger players who we would like to see at this level,” Meninga said.</p><p><br /></p><p>“There was fairly unanimous agreement across the selections and I can’t wait to see this group test themselves in the green and gold.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Australian Women’s PM’s XIII Coach Brad Donald said the PM’s XIII would provide opportunities for the players to both further their representative aspirations as well as experience something quite unique.</p><p><br /></p><p>“It’s a really well-balanced team featuring some of our First Nations Gems players, emerging talent in the NRLW competition and a handful of Jillaroos representatives who will be the key leaders,” Donald said.</p><p>The PM’s XIII concept is aimed at using rugby league to drive social awareness messages. This year’s event will also see the introduction of the Australian school boys and girls taking on our Junior Kumuls and Orchids respectively, with support from the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the NRL.</p><p>Australian men's Prime Minister's XIII squad</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs)</li><li>Daly Cherry-Evans, vice capt. (Sea Eagles)</li><li>Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)</li><li>Tom Dearden (Cowboys)</li><li>Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)</li><li>Emre Guler (Raiders)</li><li>Ben Hunt (Dragons)</li><li>Nicho Hynes (Sharks)</li><li>Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans)</li><li>Zac Lomax (Dragons)</li><li>Cameron McInnes (Sharks)</li><li>Cameron Murray, capt. (Rabbitohs)</li><li>Reece Robson (Cowboys)</li><li>Tyrell Sloan (Dragons)</li><li>Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)</li><li>Murray Taulagi (Cowboys)</li><li>Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)</li><li>Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)</li><li>Hudson Young (Raiders)</li></ul><p></p><p>Australian women's Prime Minister's XIII squad</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Teagan Berry (Dragons)</li><li>Kennedy Cherrington, vice capt. (Eels)</li><li>Rueben Cherrington (Eels)</li><li>Abbi Church (Eels)</li><li>Keisha-Leigh Coolwell (Broncos)</li><li>Quincy Dodd (Sharks)</li><li>Kayla Fleming (First Nations Gems)</li><li>Tallisha Harden, capt. (Cowboys)</li><li>Kimberley Hunt (Eels)</li><li>Emma Manzelmann (Cowboys)</li><li>Jasmin Morrissey (First Nations Gems)</li><li>Rachael Pearson (Eels)</li><li>Christian Pio (Wests Tigers)</li><li>China Polata (Cowboys)</li><li>Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (Cowboys)</li><li>Taneka Todhunter (Eels)</li><li>Cassey Tohi-Hiku (Eels)</li><li>Botille Vette-Welsh (Wests Tigers)</li><li>Jakiya Whitfeld (Wests Tigers)</li><li>Janelle Williams (Raiders)</li></ul><p></p><p>Source : nrl.com</p><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/09/png-deputy-pm-supports-school-rugby.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PNG Deputy PM Supports School Rugby League Competition</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-64201617805358706182023-09-10T05:58:00.002-07:002023-09-10T05:58:25.917-07:00PNG Deputy PM Supports School Rugby League Competition <p>The Acting Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Hon. John Rosso was at the Lae Secondary School field in Lae on Saturday to grace the grand final for the 2023 Lae Schools Rugby League Competition (LSRC).</p><p>The Acting Prime Minister stressed on the importance of junior development pathways through school league program. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfUBVNackf-7K7IIEN1jXXRxZi2DjZojcWFVRa5LKRwq_ZW3ECoOl_iocchf1sjaSnq1iI7Ua-fKIjMe4VXeZNSTFAwY_0wqhlhr-nvlhEk6Ni-Nm7RF1KnQMCZv6pY49CZV9EUPOq18McDcXd03EVCEfOyHnGjKzytkZQcov8TJE7lKJGqs0JPLJJ6M/s587/Lae%20Tigers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="587" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfUBVNackf-7K7IIEN1jXXRxZi2DjZojcWFVRa5LKRwq_ZW3ECoOl_iocchf1sjaSnq1iI7Ua-fKIjMe4VXeZNSTFAwY_0wqhlhr-nvlhEk6Ni-Nm7RF1KnQMCZv6pY49CZV9EUPOq18McDcXd03EVCEfOyHnGjKzytkZQcov8TJE7lKJGqs0JPLJJ6M/w640-h524/Lae%20Tigers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PNG Deputy PM Supports School Rugby League Competition </td></tr></tbody></table><br />“It is not about winning the grand final. It is all about providing an avenue so you (student-players both boys and girls) can gain confidence, learn new skills and rules, and strive for better. So one day you can represent us on a bigger stage”. </p><p>Acting PM Rosso who is also the competition patron since 2020 and has been supporting the competition after first being elected in 2017 thanked all the sponsors of the school competition and further pledged to increase the support for the competition from Lae City Authority (LCA). </p><p>“It is your parents tax money. Not mine. I’m only managing it. And if I see you continue to be disciplined and being good sports ambassadors, LCA will continue to support the program”. </p><p>The LSRC is fully sponsored and supported by Ian Chow and Lae Biscuit Company, Adrian Chow and Prima Smallgoods and LCA.</p><p>Statement</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/09/super-league-warrington-wolves-sign-png.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">Super League : Warrington Wolves Sign PNG International Rodrick Tai</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-23699639603998230262023-09-09T02:23:00.005-07:002023-09-09T02:23:56.006-07:00Super League : Warrington Wolves Sign PNG International Rodrick Tai <p> WARRINGTON WOLVES IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA INTERNATIONAL RODRICK TAI FOR THE 2024 SEASON.</p><p>The 24-year-old has signed a 12-month contract with a club option for a further year.</p><p>Tai represented PNG in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and scored two tries at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the Kumuls’ group stage win over Cook Islands. He will become the third PNG international to represent the club following John Wilshere and Tom O’Reilly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KEW8UxkXb65ZyWDh_jIS5PfKhToOj9JYw5wZFxoV_2c_XuxijSPzrmYZojM2m9E8O-RqneZuhjVfveW690uX0NodilmxTtMBIJ_RcHFv6ATEWqPY0DBMbBRON6sKDUanoThFW-J_e-PKQkueV7D1GKkZbIxCMKoyO_266hpe2m2Xoqv6uw0ITDLnn_0/s720/Rodrick%20Tai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KEW8UxkXb65ZyWDh_jIS5PfKhToOj9JYw5wZFxoV_2c_XuxijSPzrmYZojM2m9E8O-RqneZuhjVfveW690uX0NodilmxTtMBIJ_RcHFv6ATEWqPY0DBMbBRON6sKDUanoThFW-J_e-PKQkueV7D1GKkZbIxCMKoyO_266hpe2m2Xoqv6uw0ITDLnn_0/s16000/Rodrick%20Tai.jpg" /></a></div><br />He has represented the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup and spent time this season in an NRL environment developing his game with the Dolphins.<p></p><p>Rodrick Tai said: “I’m very excited. It’s a huge move for me to be joining a great club in Warrington.</p><p>“Sam [Burgess] called me and said there’s an opportunity. Even him calling was huge for me! I’m looking forward now to giving my all in pre-season, working hard and playing my part next year.</p><p>“During the World Cup with PNG we stayed in Warrington so there’ll be some familiarities there for me. It was a great experience for us Kumuls and myself and my family can’t wait to come back over to the town.”</p><p>Rodrick Tai</p><p>Warrington Wolves Director of Rugby Gary Chambers added: “With Rodrick we’ve got an explosive and dynamic centre who can break lines and is a threat with the ball.</p><p>“He’s played at international level and to get someone of his calibre coming to us at the right age is going to add the right value to what we’re building. He’s an exciting proposition for us.”</p><p>Warrington Wolves Head Coach for 2024 Sam Burgess said: “I’m very excited that Rodrick is joining us at Warrington.</p><p>“He has been fantastic in the Queensland cup this year and also when representing PNG in recent years.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Statement</p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/08/png-kumuls-star-laybutt-eyes-test-call.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PNG Kumuls Star Laybutt eyes Test Call-up</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-20781099457790225802023-08-27T15:47:00.003-07:002023-08-27T15:47:21.796-07:00PNG Kumuls Star Laybutt eyes Test Call-up <p> By PARKER TAMBUA | The National </p><p>PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls five-eighth Kyle Laybutt has not been playing in the top level competitions in 2023 but is hoping to make the tests squad for the Pacific Championships in October.</p><p>The Kumuls will host Fiji and Cook Islands in Port Moresby’s National Football Stadium and Kyle is hoping to achieve one of his dream, which is to play alongside his younger brother and North Queensland Cowboy Zac Laybutt in PNG colors.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPJxfpF02h4e0773GBReRRuTFXwe4oRgQZWIC1RC6wiAhYkZNW8fdZ1m0bPHFOqLTbPu5kRJwiDNFAo6XCwPdxL28Db_a3_kbsWKIg-JjKWy07as9q-C8XVzOvbyEB2ayERNmPd7CP_6xR6-KYPUQ5PiGEhr6tn7jP2bmxF4z4heJFHyIJbQeQGnJ6TM/s720/laybutt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPJxfpF02h4e0773GBReRRuTFXwe4oRgQZWIC1RC6wiAhYkZNW8fdZ1m0bPHFOqLTbPu5kRJwiDNFAo6XCwPdxL28Db_a3_kbsWKIg-JjKWy07as9q-C8XVzOvbyEB2ayERNmPd7CP_6xR6-KYPUQ5PiGEhr6tn7jP2bmxF4z4heJFHyIJbQeQGnJ6TM/s16000/laybutt.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PNG Kumuls Star Laybutt eyes Test Call-up [Photo by TheNational]</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Kyle was contracted to the Sunshine Coast Falcons in 2023 season but due to injuries in mid-season and personal commitment, he had to relocate back to Townsville.</p><p>The 27-year-old is currently playing for a local A grade club in the Townsville competition.</p><p>“I was injured mid-season and some things popped up back in Townsville so I made my decision to leave Sunshine Coast and return to Townsville,” said Kyle who only played a handful of games with the Falcons in 2023.</p><p>“I am playing for a local team here but will return to Townsville Blackhawks in 2024.</p><p>“As always will make myself available for Kumuls selection but I am not sure if I will be selected as I’m not playing at high level currently.</p><p>“But 100 per cent I hope I get selected.”</p><p>Kyle said his brother Zac deserved to be selected for Kumuls given his breakthrough into the Cowboys side in 2023, making three appearances for the Todd Payten-coached side.</p><p>“I really think he (Zac) deserves selection and I can’t wait to see him represent PNG on the international stage.</p><p>“It’s definitely a goal of Zac and mine to play alongside each other for our country of heritage.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/08/goroka-lahanis-set-up-grandfinal-show.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Goroka Lahanis set up Grandfinal show down with Enga Mioks after edging out Lae Snax Tigers in a Thriller</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-37449401750723241482023-08-27T15:34:00.003-07:002023-08-27T15:34:40.688-07:00Goroka Lahanis set up Grandfinal show down with Enga Mioks after edging out Lae Snax Tigers in a Thriller <p> The Grand Final for the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Football called the ExxonMobile cup will see Goroka Lahanis take on the Enga Mioks.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoHkZT4LceqH-L1lKO0SaMBsp5idB5rgwOh157TySk4_DZeqcOq-CTgsLO9Xpove178DbmK_zz5huPJu-GI5OqwO_x9lEIq5Jp0UF22V248M_qobFYTR5YF5Y9kKrsOFrI6soVp33upkIuQMkqHnHla29IstnLaGWbx_mhipRZMalGoF6byFMBjI2nIM/s1080/tete.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoHkZT4LceqH-L1lKO0SaMBsp5idB5rgwOh157TySk4_DZeqcOq-CTgsLO9Xpove178DbmK_zz5huPJu-GI5OqwO_x9lEIq5Jp0UF22V248M_qobFYTR5YF5Y9kKrsOFrI6soVp33upkIuQMkqHnHla29IstnLaGWbx_mhipRZMalGoF6byFMBjI2nIM/s16000/tete.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goroka Lahanis tlockforward Thomson Tete in action</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is after the Goroka Lahanis set up a mouth watering win in a thriller over Lae Tigers 19-18 in extra time yesterday. </p><p>The Grand final match will be played at the National Football stadium in Port Moresby, next Sunday.</p><p><br /></p><p>Next :<a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/08/kumuls-coup-in-demand-holbrook-to-coach.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #990000;">Kumuls coup: In-demand Holbrook to coach Papua New Guinea</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-12480640175352914852023-08-26T05:32:00.003-07:002023-08-26T05:33:21.140-07:00Kumuls coup: In-demand Holbrook to coach Papua New Guinea<p><i> Brad Walter</i></p><p><i>NRL Senior Reporter</i></p><p>Justin Holbrook has been appointed as coach of the Kumuls in a massive coup for Papua New Guinea ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships.</p><p>The former Titans coach, who took St Helens to the 2019 Super League premiership, has been in high demand from clubs in Australia and England, as well as internationally, since his shock mid-season departure from the Gold Coast.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr6ZgJBO3dFpzt_kdaoDOZIW1R_UeIuLbNZvI6FhThYEtgWsOsiP9xmssBW7IpsvXCu_woVkSGJODRyMFWjlECxrt6dcZLVW659MF5pP7CyaWXGc6octy2b44KC2Ao7luhHwNk99IxVz5zpiMY1sjM5Jqx9WfoPKpjsvJ9XvTNI7QCK4v1VzmVe-hK-w/s1024/Justin%20Holbrook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr6ZgJBO3dFpzt_kdaoDOZIW1R_UeIuLbNZvI6FhThYEtgWsOsiP9xmssBW7IpsvXCu_woVkSGJODRyMFWjlECxrt6dcZLVW659MF5pP7CyaWXGc6octy2b44KC2Ao7luhHwNk99IxVz5zpiMY1sjM5Jqx9WfoPKpjsvJ9XvTNI7QCK4v1VzmVe-hK-w/s16000/Justin%20Holbrook.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Justin Holbrook [nrl.com photo]</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Holbrook, who will join Sydney Roosters as an assistant coach next season, had been linked to the vacant Samoa job as well as roles with Warrington, Canterbury and Wests Tigers.<p></p><p>“Justin has been highly sought after as a coach in recent times and so his decision to take on the head coach’s role with the Kumuls is a major vote of confidence in the plans we have in place for rugby league in this country,” PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk, said.</p><p>Holbrook said he was excited by the opportunity to help develop playing talent in Papua New Guinea.</p><p>“You only have to speak to anyone associated with the game in PNG to see the passion they have for rugby league,” Holbrook said.</p><p>“They are a country that are looking to the future and building a structure that will support the development of the game in this country for years to come.</p><p>There is an enormous talent base of players in PNG and a real desire to compete against the best.</p><p>“I am looking forward to working closely with the players to continue their development and to build on the great work that has been done before me."</p><p>Holbrook's appointment has added significance as PNG continues its strategic approach to creating an internal pathways system as part of its bid to join the NRL.</p><p>PNG will host four matches of the Pacific Championships, including the Pacific Bowl final on the weekend of November 4-5.</p><p>Holbrook boasts an impressive coaching resume. Having gained experience on the coaching staff of a number of NRL clubs, he took charge of St Helens in 2017 and steered the club to the 2019 Challenge Cup final and Super League premiership.</p><p>Holbrook returned to Australia in 2020 to coach the Titans and turned around the fortunes of the 2019 wooden-spooners by leading them to a credible 9th position.</p><p>“Having someone of the calibre of Justin coaching the Kumuls is a major boost for rugby league in the country," Sonk said.</p><p>“He has shown that wherever he has coached he has built a reputation for developing younger players and creating a winning culture and that is something that we are looking to create with our international teams.”</p><p>PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, also announced the re-appointment of Ben Jefferies, who is currently the Cowboys NRLW head coach, to the position of Santos Orchids head coach.</p><p>The PNGRFL also announced that the Junior Kumuls will be coached by Joe Grima and the Junior Orchids will be coached by Solomon Kuluniasi.</p><p><br /></p><p>Source : NRL.COM</p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/08/pngrfl-denies-rumours-of-stanley-tepend.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">PNGRFL denies rumours of Stanley Tepend resigning as PNG Kumuls Coach</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-91447894382125515182023-08-18T03:29:00.000-07:002023-08-18T03:29:04.565-07:00PNGRFL denies rumours of Stanley Tepend resigning as PNG Kumuls Coach <p> RUMOURS about a possibility of Stanley Tepend being stood down as Kumuls head coach in order to concentrate on the SP Hunters are untrue, a Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) official says.</p><p>There were speculations last week that an international coach would take up the role of head coach for the men’s national team but the sport’s governing body in the country denied the claims.</p><p>The National enquired through PNGRFL chief executive Stanley Hondina yesterday and his response was; “It’s not true, we haven’t decided yet”.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEWQmB7AP08/YX-QUDHlteI/AAAAAAAA4O8/QgAELqDnXeA8a5S_82quixMznFhitll0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Stanley%2BTepend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEWQmB7AP08/YX-QUDHlteI/AAAAAAAA4O8/QgAELqDnXeA8a5S_82quixMznFhitll0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Stanley%2BTepend.jpg" /></a></div><br />Tepend took over the Kumuls job from former coach and current East New Britain Governor Micheal Marum at the beginning of last year.<p></p><p>Marum was in that role for six years which he contributed immensely by improving PNG’s world rankings from one of their lowest position ever at No.14 up to fifth in the world.</p><p>Tepend, who is the head coach of the Hunters in the Queensland Cup, impressed immediately when he took over the reins which saw the Kumuls dominated the Fiji Batis in Pacific Test winning 24-14 in Sydney in June last year.</p><p>The former Lae Tigers coach was responsible for the Kumuls’ world cup campaign in the United Kingdom, losing to England in the quarterfinal.</p><p>The Kumuls won two out three group matches with their only loss against Tonga</p><p>The upcoming international tests will see PNG face Fiji and Cook Islands in a tri nations series.</p><p><br /></p><p>The National / Rugby Insights</p><p><br /></p><p>next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/08/png-womens-rugby-league-championship-to.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">PNG Women’s rugby league championship to be held this month</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-69159269481523021742023-08-18T03:21:00.006-07:002023-08-18T03:21:43.930-07:00PNG Women’s rugby league championship to be held this month<p> THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League will host a national women’s championships this month in Port Moresby in conjunction with this year’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup’s finals.</p><p>PNGRFL chief executive Stanley Hondina said the two-week tournament was part of a long term plan to establish a national competition for women in the country and was driven by the governing body’s high performance unit and the PNG National Rugby League Competition.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQOkXYmSJ4TO8febYyb89jhdQXPp2-N4HY2pURHwJ3eYNBmC--ImqBg1aDCGM9c6LjU_bkyuE0NMkiKWLRNHz3Zn5lisvVAJy8eTtJwGq40mppQ0jqRGj8GSjVtNRLVKrbC4AG1h1Tx9n6YnuLj12T9jgkzSJrzNPhmZQRZMvdpYNAG91zE9Rl4s0TCA/s960/PNG%20Orchids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQOkXYmSJ4TO8febYyb89jhdQXPp2-N4HY2pURHwJ3eYNBmC--ImqBg1aDCGM9c6LjU_bkyuE0NMkiKWLRNHz3Zn5lisvVAJy8eTtJwGq40mppQ0jqRGj8GSjVtNRLVKrbC4AG1h1Tx9n6YnuLj12T9jgkzSJrzNPhmZQRZMvdpYNAG91zE9Rl4s0TCA/s16000/PNG%20Orchids.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PNG Women’s rugby league championship to be held this month [Photo: PNG Orchids]</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The rugby league tournament for women will showcase the top performing female talent from the four confederates – Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Islands.</p><p>“We are committed to seeing our girls perform better at the 2026 World Cup and the way forward is to improve the standard of our domestic competition and provide opportunities for them to play at higher levels,” said Hondina said in a statement.</p><p>“The teams have been formed by leagues who have been recognised as fully compliant to the PNGRFL’s guidelines and registration process which has been driven by our Community Rugby League team this season.</p><p>“The composition of the ladies competing came from teams representing their leagues who were invited to compete in provincial trials to identify and select their confederate sides.</p><p>“These trials took place over the course of three weeks from the July 29-Aug 11.</p><p>“Our community rugby league team have been hard at work establishing and reconnecting with our leagues across the country to have them adjust to our enforcement of compliance in order to benefit from PNGRFL programs and opportunities.</p><p>“With compliance this will lead to better capturing of data and information for our players and competitions.”</p><p>Tournament dates: Game 1: Aug 23; Game 2: Aug 27; Game 3: Aug 30; Game 4: Sept 3.</p><p><br /></p><p>Statement</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/07/png-international-sylvestor-namo-signed.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;">PNG International Sylvestor Namo signed by Super League's Castleford Tigers</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-2173970433261438252023-07-22T18:12:00.003-07:002023-07-22T18:12:43.551-07:00PNG International Sylvestor Namo signed by Super League's Castleford Tigers <p>Castleford Tigers' signing of Papua New Guinea Test forward Sylvester Namo has all but been confirmed after his management took to social media to discuss the move. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqtuGeBRn4p7iD45GzMKbOntQZTN4GHm308v2qO8YN-WDLQCaO6_ewIFZI6lQyWpztpccgEB5-HsDpsVxN69BhRKSe02VvS8-qJotm23XwoNSP9J5I7MhgVgeVFmDc5eb4rYJdsIKIy6AVDRJ3BlCixS1uCQFzlqXGO8XgYJPFQQgeuTnSwWcX49JXl0/s720/namo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="720" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqtuGeBRn4p7iD45GzMKbOntQZTN4GHm308v2qO8YN-WDLQCaO6_ewIFZI6lQyWpztpccgEB5-HsDpsVxN69BhRKSe02VvS8-qJotm23XwoNSP9J5I7MhgVgeVFmDc5eb4rYJdsIKIy6AVDRJ3BlCixS1uCQFzlqXGO8XgYJPFQQgeuTnSwWcX49JXl0/w640-h636/namo.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The PNG international prop, as per Rugby League Live, has been linked with a move to the Tigers next season and that has now been verified by his management. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/07/nrl-clubs-interested-to-offer-pathways.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #990000;">NRL clubs interested to offer pathways for Papua New Guinea's Young Talents</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-80236950700264562232023-07-18T03:53:00.001-07:002023-07-18T03:53:36.797-07:00NRL clubs interested to offer pathways for Papua New Guinea's Young Talents <p> TWO National Rugby League clubs are interested in offering pathways for Papua New Guinea’s best young talent to reach Australia’s tier-one competition.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea NRL Bid 2023 launched its Elite Junior Academy programme yesterday at Sir John Guise Stadium with over 40 students taking part in a training session.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSTP2IG9QJ4NyQyLqM-uM_OcTaZVbZd4wkmIPYoga1C7-dxCeQlcOqoisXdv_v9QA4Jj-PP-zXd18-DoeMHv_IaNyTEa1W06270AXXT7o9oXF1amkhL0ySqZCwUzM0HyHvtmyGTTHgTlI2-CspM2d8k7GifCcEwxharrmxqTRit2PUA9MogxiOyIhXcQ/s640/PNGNRI%20Bid.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSTP2IG9QJ4NyQyLqM-uM_OcTaZVbZd4wkmIPYoga1C7-dxCeQlcOqoisXdv_v9QA4Jj-PP-zXd18-DoeMHv_IaNyTEa1W06270AXXT7o9oXF1amkhL0ySqZCwUzM0HyHvtmyGTTHgTlI2-CspM2d8k7GifCcEwxharrmxqTRit2PUA9MogxiOyIhXcQ/w640-h426/PNGNRI%20Bid.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bid chief executive Andrew Hill said the academy would help expand PNG’s player base before bidding for a licence to be NRL’s 18th franchise.<p></p><p>Lae Snax Tigers franchise owner and sponsor Ian Chow said the Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys, who have vibrant junior development programmes and established pathways to the NRL, were interested to recruit promising PNG juniors for preseason training.</p><p>“Both Cronulla Sharks and Queensland Cowboys have spoken to me and offered NRL pathways for our talented junior players to train in preseason,” Chow said.</p><p>“Dane Camble, junior development boss of Cowboys, has spoken to Stanley Tepend and myself about sending our talented junior players to the elite league schools for a term or year.</p><p>“I am not just talking about Lae Snax Tigers. Any talented junior player from any team.”</p><p>The Cowboys Elite Pathways is made up of Greenhorns (15-16 year olds), Bucks (17-18 year olds) and Young Guns (19-20 year olds).</p><p>The programme provides a structured pathway to support the development and transition of promising young rugby league players through the playing ranks, from junior rugby league through to the NRL.</p><p>The Cronulla Sharks Winter Academy is a programme open to players registered and playing with local Cronulla-Sutherland district junior league clubs, with squads to be assembled in the Under-13, U14, U15, U16 and U18 age groups.</p><p>“We just have to identify the future star players and sponsor them to Australia,” Chow said.</p><p>“Cronulla says we can send our young referees in the preseason for training too.”</p><p>Meanwhile, Chow was disappointed that the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League’s elite junior academy launched yesterday was only for Port Moresby-based juniors for the remainder of the year.</p><p>“I had meeting with Stanley Hondina (PNGRFL CEO) last Saturday in Port Moresby,” he said.</p><p>“I was very disappointed because in Lae, junior development has been happening under Dennis Miall and Snax Tigers for over 10 years. No funding from PNGRFL during this time.</p><p>“At least I am told they will start assisting in 2024. It is great they have started a junior players’ database in Port Moresby to track and follow their progress. Hopefully they do it in rest of PNG soon.”</p><p>Hill said the pilot project would prove that PNG was on par with NRL clubs and would be expanded to other centres once firmly established in Port Moresby.</p><p>Source : The National / Rugby Insithts</p><p><br /></p><p>Also read</p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); color: #4f4f4f; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/07/nsw-blues-team-for-origin-game-iii.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">NSW Blues Team for Origin Game III</a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-21069278318735750902023-07-03T03:09:00.007-07:002023-07-03T03:09:59.289-07:00NSW Blues Team for Origin Game III <p> The New South Wales Blues team for the State of Origin III has been announced. Follow is the new look team list for the blues. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kMHwNHJaNNXS2Hx8RJ4eHuuVTnOv-OSsV58A499V7llMKuKC4UpwAA5aZYRct7IIl6wKKL5crt9EKGHDVz0fxAbGur0cmTsmPZ1D-HNiliKWiLXQ_FguPcrT8Vdf7cf-RwbM588ye_hWAlstT006tdfe_lZPs6Fz6I_7wU6GdbON5icHQwtzkWkLJTU/s1787/blues%20team.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kMHwNHJaNNXS2Hx8RJ4eHuuVTnOv-OSsV58A499V7llMKuKC4UpwAA5aZYRct7IIl6wKKL5crt9EKGHDVz0fxAbGur0cmTsmPZ1D-HNiliKWiLXQ_FguPcrT8Vdf7cf-RwbM588ye_hWAlstT006tdfe_lZPs6Fz6I_7wU6GdbON5icHQwtzkWkLJTU/s16000/blues%20team.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/07/queensland-maroons-game-iii-team.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #990000;">Queensland Maroons Game III team confirmed</span></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-34720477441671718592023-07-03T03:03:00.004-07:002023-07-03T03:04:29.556-07:00Queensland Maroons Game III team confirmed<p> Billy Slater has today confirmed the Queensland Maroons team for Game III of the State of Origin series in Sydney.</p><p>AJ Brimson and Corey Horsburgh are the two new faces in the 17, having impressed the Maroons head coach and Queensland selectors with their respective club form for the Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZd-N6gYH7B1g4o-4_Z0CN9G3GEa6EEVHfrMnxiWYsBfBpwh3PYhajoKGtu1SGBGmm-aIovIleDSn_Te3P73VYJoigoSZyu10rD7e4sDMJfCkQgvJQ0dLJ_yDBIMzGrB3s3u8ehs3-840nJyjorsy7bFg09a3B5VO87Yf7jdDuqFdkZrVoeCJiZVzglg/s640/maroons%20coach%20slater.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZd-N6gYH7B1g4o-4_Z0CN9G3GEa6EEVHfrMnxiWYsBfBpwh3PYhajoKGtu1SGBGmm-aIovIleDSn_Te3P73VYJoigoSZyu10rD7e4sDMJfCkQgvJQ0dLJ_yDBIMzGrB3s3u8ehs3-840nJyjorsy7bFg09a3B5VO87Yf7jdDuqFdkZrVoeCJiZVzglg/s16000/maroons%20coach%20slater.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queensland Maroons Game III team confirmed</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tom Dearden and J'maine Hopgood have also earned their places in the extended squad, as the Maroons look to build on the strong foundations set in both Adelaide in Brisbane.</p><p>With Tom Flegler and Reece Walsh unavailable for selection following outstanding contributions in the opening two games, Brimson and Horsburgh are ready to take their opportunity.</p><p>Brimson will add to his tally of three Origin matches and it will be his first at fullback since making his debut in the No. 1 jersey in the opening match of the 2020 series.</p><p>Caboolture junior Horsburgh will make his Origin debut after getting his first taste of Camp Maroon last month.</p><p>Game III of the series will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on July 12.</p><p>Queensland Maroons Game III team</p><p>Number<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Name<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Club</p><p>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>AJ Brimson<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gold Coast Titans</p><p>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Xavier Coates<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Melbourne Storm</p><p>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Valentine Holmes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>North Queensland Cowboys</p><p>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Dolphins</p><p>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Murray Taulagi<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>North Queensland Cowboys</p><p>6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cameron Munster<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Melbourne Storm</p><p>7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daly Cherry-Evans (C)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Manly Warringah Sea Eagles</p><p>8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reuben Cotter<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>North Queensland Cowboys</p><p>9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Harry Grant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Melbourne Storm</p><p>10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tino Fa'asuamaleaui<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gold Coast Titans</p><p>11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>David Fifita<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gold Coast Titans</p><p>12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jeremiah Nanai<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>North Queensland Cowboys</p><p>13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Patrick Carrigan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brisbane Broncos</p><p>14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ben Hunt<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>St George Illawarra Dragons</p><p>15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lindsay Collins<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sydney Roosters</p><p>16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Moeaki Fotuaika<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gold Coast Titans</p><p>17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Corey Horsburgh<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Canberra Raiders</p><p>18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tom Dearden<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>North Queensland Cowboys</p><p>19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J'maine Hopgood<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Parramatta Eels </p><p><br /></p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); color: #4f4f4f; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/06/sp-png-hunters-defeat-sunshine-cast.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">SP PNG Hunters defeat Sunshine Cast Falcons 34 - 10</a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-60821499131317806702023-06-26T00:56:00.003-07:002023-06-26T00:56:45.310-07:00SP PNG Hunters defeat Sunshine Cast Falcons 34 - 10 <p> The SP PNG Hunters and Sunshine Coast Falcons played out a hotly contested 80-minutes on Sunday afternoon, but it was the Hunters who finished on top with a comprehensive 34-10 victory in Round 15 of the QRL Hostplus Cup.</p><p>Atoning for a disappointing loss last week against the competition-leading Souths Logan Magpies, the Hunters started strongly in this one.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1TVMJIIRdX8927ufsZW-ofIAGRfGYDSeKASAYZxp6_qmDS_587pXLWyiQGDKz8WyvC2bzj1PHcMWSDaIcKRGmoNaToK1dNDCAllRbQSDb4BtiSAOS-mgOGck2PGTpX_xwbofAeHc9UBc_tB_qZnflCZGJ4Sn9Z2_DmsUDIICjOa0mStERA7zIOmCCac/s1080/Hunters%20win.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1TVMJIIRdX8927ufsZW-ofIAGRfGYDSeKASAYZxp6_qmDS_587pXLWyiQGDKz8WyvC2bzj1PHcMWSDaIcKRGmoNaToK1dNDCAllRbQSDb4BtiSAOS-mgOGck2PGTpX_xwbofAeHc9UBc_tB_qZnflCZGJ4Sn9Z2_DmsUDIICjOa0mStERA7zIOmCCac/s16000/Hunters%20win.jpeg" /></a></div><br />They made the most of an early error from the home side to immediately build some pressure, forcing a goal-line dropout with their first attacking set. The Falcons muscled up in defence though, turning the Hunters away from the restart and going straight on the attack themselves.<p></p><p>An early shift in yardage betrayed the Falcons’ intentions in this one and also helped them to a 50+ metre yardage gain from their own line. Fullback Luke Polselli came close to icing the passage under the posts but for a desperate try saving tackle from Sakias Komati to drag him down just inches short.</p><p>That fiery exchange of attacking actions set the tone for a free flowing contest, as both sides traded shots with the ball in hand.</p><p>The Hunters adopted their trademark bash-and-crash approach in yardage, pouring through the middle to find easy metres around the ruck. The Falcons in comparison pushed the ball to the edges as they worked upfield, looking to use their speed to get around the defence.</p><p>It was the Hunters who looked to be gaining ascendency in the early grind until an error early in the count gave the home side a cheap shot at the scoreboard. The Falcons made the most of that opportunity to score through Louis Geraghty in the ninth minute, despite a questionable decoy line from Falcons centre Kane Jackson in the lead up. </p><p>Refusing to lay down though, the Hunters fired right back.</p><p>Settling on the left tram line late in a yardage set, PNG moved the ball through Ila Alu and Mavoko to Morea Morea on the right edge.</p><p><br /></p><p>Sweeping around the third layer of the shift, Morea straightened on his run before skipping to the outside with a burst of speed, burning two Falcons defenders for pace and then skinning the fullback to score beside the posts.</p><p>Mavoko’s successful conversion gave the Hunters a two-point lead after 15 minutes.</p><p>After a fast start, the scoring opportunities quickly dried up as both sides fought for attacking field position.</p><p>Eventually, some ill-discipline from the home side allowed the Hunters to kick downfield and the visitors capitalised on their field position to extend the lead.</p><p>A scything left-edge movement through Junior Igila stretched the Falcons defence to one side before Komati directed the attack back through the middle. Some footwork and a left-hand fend engaged two defenders in the line before the wily five-eighth flicked an offload away to Tommy Moide in support.</p><p><br /></p><p>The big middle-forward showed wonderful acceleration and strength from there, brushing aside three would-be tacklers to score beside the right upright.</p><p>Staring down an eight-point deficit heading into halftime, the Falcons made the most of another 50/50 call in their favour to enjoy back-to-back sets on PNG’s try line.</p><p>The Hunters couldn’t repel the home side when faced with so much defensive pressure, eventually cracking when Wyatt Reynolds barged over beneath the black dot.</p><p>The Hunters took a 12-10 lead into the break following Reynolds’ try.</p><p>Both sides had early opportunities in the first half but were turned away by some desperate scramble defence at both ends of the field.</p><p>Barnstorming backrower Julius Yakopa wasn’t to be denied though, steaming onto a lovely short ball from his halfback to get one-on-one with a smaller defender in the line.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yakopa brushed aside that attempted tackle to break into the backfield and carry the fullback over the line to score. Mavoko’s conversion gave the Hunters an 18-10 lead after 45 minutes played.</p><p>As fatigue set in and the clock slowly crept towards fulltime, the Falcons and Hunters embraced the grind and fought for momentum in yardage.</p><p>Errors and ill-discipline from both sides produced a stop-and-start contest midway through the second half, and it was the Hunters who looked best under these conditions. They defended smartly on the edges, sticking to their systems and herding the Falcons’ expansive attack towards the sidelines.</p><p>With the ball in hand, the Hunters consistently won individual match ups across the park and it was only a matter of time before they found more points.</p><p>Staying patient, the Hunters set up camp on Sunshine Coast’s tryline thanks to the work of Jamie Mavoko on fifth tackle. Producing a perfect touch with his boot, Mavoko forced back-to-back drop outs from the Falcons as the Hunters piled on the pressure.</p><p>Eventually that pressure told when Morea zigged and zagged across the defensive line looking for a gap, suddenly exploding to life to poke through the line and get an offload away to Trevor Solu in support.</p><p><br /></p><p>Morea’s incredible try assist summed up the difference between the two sides on Sunday afternoon.</p><p>Both the Falcons and Hunters were competitive in yardage and created plenty of attacking opportunities for themselves, but it was the Hunters individual stars who stood up and owned the little moments.</p><p>Sure enough, Komati and Rodrick Tai – two of the Hunters best attacking players – produced another special scoring action for Solo Wane in the dying minutes.</p><p>Running the ball on the last, Komati skipped around the kick pressure to pass Epel Kapinias into half a space on the edge. Kapinias showed great strength and vision to get a late offload away to Tai, who burned the cover defence before flicking a back-handed pass to Wane on the paint.</p><p>Wane blistering pace and strength through contest finished the play from there, but he wouldn’t have the final word.</p><p>Trevor Solu was over in the Hunters very next set, going the length from the kickoff through Komati and Benji Kot on the left edge this time.</p><p>A slick cut-out pass from Kot sent winger Brandon Nima down the touchline midway through the set, before Nima kicked back infield into space around the Falcons fullback. It was Solu though who would win the race to the ball, kicking a second time for himself and diving over in the in-goal.</p><p>Solu converted his own try to give the Hunters a resounding 34-10 lead at fulltime, capping off the Hunters best performance of the season and elevating them to 10th position on the Hostplus Cup ladder and just two wins shy of a finals berth.</p><p>Result</p><p>SP PNG Hunters 34 def. Sunshine Coast Falcons 10</p><p>Hunters Media / Rugby Insights </p><p>Next </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(79, 79, 79); color: #4f4f4f; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/06/qrl-round-15-preview-sp-png-hunters-v.html" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">QRL Round 15 Preview: SP PNG Hunters v Sunshine Coast Falcons</a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-88755706514363973332023-06-24T06:22:00.002-07:002023-06-24T06:24:05.090-07:00QRL Round 15 Preview: SP PNG Hunters v Sunshine Coast Falcons<p> The SP PNG Hunters are back on the road this week for the first time since Round 10, travelling to face the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Sunday, 25th June in Round 15 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Kickoff is at 2:30pm.</p><p>Despite coming off a recent loss to premiership leaders Souths Logan, the Hunters will bring plenty of confidence into this weekend’s fixture following a promising block of games over the last month.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8nez-vlVW0R04FbdOCHwAvFI7-ByZnVIkLNUsjleGjLgTZLBeFFDDYjCIgUYDCh4yjCY67E-P2IventTlnNCfl_C_XicP8ScFrlzMcPGAeoplXYs7gVrZqTVeY07CAnZMHQoXJJlv5MoTwZM0JDlkAcY-qAg3F1Fd5Ckc5Gg6zytgzg5l39BKgvVMU0/s960/SP%20PNG%20Hunters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8nez-vlVW0R04FbdOCHwAvFI7-ByZnVIkLNUsjleGjLgTZLBeFFDDYjCIgUYDCh4yjCY67E-P2IventTlnNCfl_C_XicP8ScFrlzMcPGAeoplXYs7gVrZqTVeY07CAnZMHQoXJJlv5MoTwZM0JDlkAcY-qAg3F1Fd5Ckc5Gg6zytgzg5l39BKgvVMU0/s16000/SP%20PNG%20Hunters.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QRL Round 15 Preview: SP PNG Hunters v Sunshine Coast Falcons [Hunters Media Photo]</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A stretch of four straight home games at the Santos National Football Stadium gave the Hunters a great opportunity to build into the season, and they took it with both hands. Two big wins over the Tweed Seagulls and Western Clydesdales backed up a narrow loss to finals bound club the Northern Pride and was then followed by a tough result against the Magpies.</p><p>While last week’s contest was disappointing, the Hunters have shown considerable improvements to their discipline and defence over the last month, and have done so without a host of key players available. With a number of more experienced campaigners missing due to injury and suspension, the Hunters were forced to lean upon their next-gen talent and those younger players have rose to the occasion.</p><p>Judah Rimbu, Joshua Lau, Tommy Moide and Joshua Mire have all performed beyond their years in recent weeks in a positive sign for the club’s development.</p><p>The Hunters consistently compete against players with more experience and against clubs with existing combinations within the roster. As this current playing group spends more time on the field together though, we can only expect them to further improve.</p><p>While disappointing against the Magpies last week, the Hunters have a great opportunity to respond against the Falcons this weekend, who currently sit just two rungs higher on the QRL ladder in ninth place.</p><p>With Ila Alu and Sherwin Tanabi making a successful return from injury last week and with Sakias Komati back from suspension, this is a winnable game for the Hunters as they work into the back end of the regular season.</p><p>The Sunshine Coast Falcons come into Round 15 on the back of a narrow win over fellow heavyweights Brisbane Tigers.</p><p>The Falcons rolled out Justin Olam in the centres for that contest but the gun PNG international is back in the NRL for the Melbourne Storm this weekend.</p><p>The task is made little easier for the Hunters though, with the Falcons backline still featuring Sualauvi Faalogo, Young Tonumaipea and Grant Anderson who all boast experience either playing or training in an NRL system.</p><p>Despite the wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, it is the Falcons defence that has them in good stead with finals approaching. They currently play with the third best defence in the competition and will provide a stern test for the Hunters improving attack on Sunday.</p><p>On their day, this Hunters side can put points on anyone but it’s in defence that this contest is likely to be won. PNG have shown glimpses of a much improved defensive system this season and they’ll need to be at their best again on Sunday against the Falcons.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Player to Watch</b></p><p>SP PNG Hunters crowd-favourite Benji Kot has shifted between centre and backrow this season depending on what the team needs.</p><p>He offers great utility value as a strike attacking centre who can also spot up in the backrow. He’s a big body and a powerful ball carrier in yardage who can bust a tackle or get an offload away when the opportunity presents.</p><p>He scored a special individual try last week from the backrow, chasing a pinpoint Joshua Mire kick to collect the loose ball and dive over in the corner despite some considerable defensive attention.</p><p>He also made a number of big defensive plays last week, in a sign of Kot’s development as a genuine QRL-quality player.</p><p>Kot was the man on the spot to defend a linebreak made by the Magpies last week, rushing back in defence to make a certain try saving tackle that he had no right to make. Kot then backed it up a few minutes later with a huge shot on Souths-Logan hooker Blake Mozer, who scooted from dummy-half in good-ball only to be jammed by Kot and lose the ball over the line.</p><p>Kot’s attacking output has never been questioned but it’s in defence where he has shown considerable improvement this year. With just 34 QRL games to his name, Kot is still a relative rookie when compared to most players across the competition, but he is growing in experience and confidence with every game.</p><p>Named to play in the backrow again this weekend with Sherwin Tanabi unavailable, Kot and his five-eighth Sakias Komati will give the Hunters left edge plenty of strike in attack.</p><p>It’s in defence though where the Hunters need to be strongest against the Magpies, and if last week’s performance is anything to go by then Kot is well positioned to make a difference on Sunday.</p><p>Team List</p><p>1. Morea Morea</p><p>2. Brandon Nima</p><p>3. Junior Igila</p><p>4. Rodrick Tai</p><p>5. Solo Wane</p><p>6. Sakias Komati</p><p>7. Jamie Mavoko</p><p>8. Junior Rop</p><p>9. Judah Rimbu</p><p>10. Epel Kapinias</p><p>11. Benji Kot</p><p>12. Julius Yakopa</p><p>13. Ila Alu</p><p>14. Trevor Solu</p><p>15. Tommy Moide</p><p>16. Seal Kalo</p><p>17. Henry Wan Noki</p><p>18. Siki Konden</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/04/png-orchids-world-cup-stars-join.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">PNG Orchids World Cup stars join Cowboys WNRL Club</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-13502710937675180362023-04-25T13:15:00.002-07:002023-04-25T13:15:32.519-07:00PNG Orchids World Cup stars join Cowboys WNRL Club <p> Papua New Guinea Orchids World Cup quartet Essay Banu, Shellie Long, Jessikah Reeves and Sera Koroi have agreed to contracts with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW side for the maiden 2023 campaign.</p><p><br /></p><p>Banu (Tully) and Long (Innisfail) are both North Queensland products with PNG heritage, who relocated to South East Queensland as teenagers, but will return home to suit up for the Cowboys.</p><p><br /></p><p>Banu was named in the 2022 BMD Premiership Team of the Year at prop after a sensational campaign with Wynnum Manly. The 20-year-old was rewarded with her international debut for the Orchids at the 2022 World Cup.</p><p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf-dXuOHHxGQnX_WPObrcE586MpFx_VE8XXFK29pXv1i7YwVjVDFhn0mfXOmPMoRuadjQUEwjObDvfUB_jk2LMbO57zZKo6-Xlkr24dXCEifdhSEX5mrjgS1Md6i9IlhNoqRDREmABbvHPIsdC1Xt7SJfuT4VBYbnyoBhMo7W20eUt85SbNiPZ1fD/s840/PNG%20Orchids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf-dXuOHHxGQnX_WPObrcE586MpFx_VE8XXFK29pXv1i7YwVjVDFhn0mfXOmPMoRuadjQUEwjObDvfUB_jk2LMbO57zZKo6-Xlkr24dXCEifdhSEX5mrjgS1Md6i9IlhNoqRDREmABbvHPIsdC1Xt7SJfuT4VBYbnyoBhMo7W20eUt85SbNiPZ1fD/s16000/PNG%20Orchids.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #666666; font-family: rl2, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Jessikah Reeves [Photo North Queensland Cowboys]</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Long came <br />through the North Queensland Marlins pathways and the 2017 Queensland Academy of Sport program with fellow future Cowboys teammates Emma Manzelmann, Jasmine Peters and Reeves. The 22-year-old centre has been in strong form for 2023 BMD Premiership ladder leaders Souths Logan.</p><p><br /></p><p>A former Queensland under 18s and Queensland Academy of Sport star, Reeves was named Player’s Player for the Orchids at the World Cup. An aggressive middle forward, Reeves played for the Central Coast Roosters in the 2023 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.</p><p><br /></p><p>A utility with the ability to play multiple positions, Koroi emerged as a budding star at the World Cup. The 20-year-old is also currently playing for Souths Logan, spending time at both five-eighth and centre over the course of the first five games of the season.</p><p><br /></p><p>“These four PNG Internationals will bring a real diversity to our squad in terms of culture in addition to their experience from playing in the recent World Cup,” Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said.</p><p><br /></p><p>“All four players were regular starters at the recent World Cup and just as importantly, are great humans, which is what we look for when attracting players to the Cowboys.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Shellie, Jess, Essay and Sera are at the infancy of their NRLW careers as they search for their debuts, but we know they’re hungry for the opportunity. This will bring energy to our squad, which is infectious within elite sport.</p><p><br /></p><p>“A major part of our recruitment drive was to bring Queensland players into our team and we’re grateful they have chosen to come to the Cowboys.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Original Source : https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2023/04/24/png-orchids-world-cup-quartet-join-cowboys</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2023/04/standout-performance-sees-two-png.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #990000;">Standout performance sees two PNG Hunters players invited to train with NRL Dolphins club</span></a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-65930427059440089722023-04-25T12:49:00.001-07:002023-04-25T12:50:54.504-07:00Standout performance sees two PNG Hunters players invited to train with NRL Dolphins club <p> Two SP Papua New Guinea Hunters players have been rewarded for standout performances across the opening six rounds of the QRL Hostplus Cup competition.</p><p>Hunters centre Rodrick Tai and fullback Morea Morea have both been invited to train with The Dolphins NRL squad over the next month as they continue their rugby league development.</p><p>Tai, who spent the offseason in Redcliffe under the watchful eye of Wayne Bennett, rejoins The Dolphins training squad this week on the back of a compelling start to the Hostplus Cup season. The strike centre has two tries and an average 129 running metres from four games this year to consistently be one of the Hunters best.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvzdGzPY8FSGwD5lYfHoJPxP7TluJNqJFthI_hq0crSiQI4MXr2esVTmW0w3jr14nUWY2EV-jEI3E5Mv89jwwrsVt1s9HfNUZd3A2R-S3EOBo7mmfh49TtanuyULCirTSlKT0zNXsH95e3rHq5OCPteKurkeruLtfGVhdyPO2kv-1XadSlpxScpsf2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvzdGzPY8FSGwD5lYfHoJPxP7TluJNqJFthI_hq0crSiQI4MXr2esVTmW0w3jr14nUWY2EV-jEI3E5Mv89jwwrsVt1s9HfNUZd3A2R-S3EOBo7mmfh49TtanuyULCirTSlKT0zNXsH95e3rHq5OCPteKurkeruLtfGVhdyPO2kv-1XadSlpxScpsf2" width="320" /></a></div><br />At just 21 years old, Morea joins Tai at The Dolphins this week in what will be his first taste of NRL-level coaching. The young fullback has been a revelation for the Hunters in season 2023 with four tries, four assists and 126 average running metres from five appearances. He is still a raw talent and will benefit greatly from training alongside NRL household names like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Both Morea and Tai will train fulltime with The Dolphins NRL squad over the next month while lining up for the SP PNG Hunters in the QRL Hostplus Cup on the weekends.</p><p><br /></p><p>next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2022/10/australian-kangaroos-team-for-rugby.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ef4d1c; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Australian Kangaroos Team for Rugby League World Cup 2022</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-16993752549893526842022-10-02T23:01:00.005-07:002022-10-02T23:01:28.295-07:00Australian Kangaroos Team for Rugby League World Cup 2022 <p> The Australian Rugby League has announced a strong-team for their rugby League World Cup campaign in England.</p><p>Some big names have been included in their team.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mXlEAEacrQhk33efIpAQHBLQCiZaqybQH5SgtxvXnHlD5QiBSsabGUFVgpgcypongOxglpcWudlyNPa44xhsIL5OqCsVrbG3Xf6XOR40OY6OyDTm8ApmobgdLQQHIX3NTwF-HdKlGMdamwFNjeUXAPSS9DDnV2iHW5QBu6mznirZoBGlFT__6McW/s1080/Kangaroos%20World%20Cup%20Squad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mXlEAEacrQhk33efIpAQHBLQCiZaqybQH5SgtxvXnHlD5QiBSsabGUFVgpgcypongOxglpcWudlyNPa44xhsIL5OqCsVrbG3Xf6XOR40OY6OyDTm8ApmobgdLQQHIX3NTwF-HdKlGMdamwFNjeUXAPSS9DDnV2iHW5QBu6mznirZoBGlFT__6McW/s16000/Kangaroos%20World%20Cup%20Squad.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2022/10/papua-new-guinea-world-cup-squad.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">PAPUA NEW GUINEA WORLD CUP SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-40673540014121946882022-10-02T20:43:00.000-07:002022-10-02T22:57:33.622-07:00 PAPUA NEW GUINEA WORLD CUP SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT<p>This year's postponed Rugby League World Cup is shaping up as the most competitive in history, with high-profile players littered across the competing nations.</p><p>After an impressive win over the Fiji Bati at the Pacific Test and with the Prime Minister's XIII all wrapped up, the dust has now settled, and it's left the Papua New Guinea Kumuls squad announcement with much anticipation. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8CdNKDO3MqCJj4CWkrgg-hxrSUhSGrS14w01LZminBF4JWrGhJENvFq9Mf6ZqQhlvYAl8ohdnn4z9Fu8vsKr5Gyprb7WySzLGaJm-m7GsXoAJvKOYmW5Vgde0UhxH6ZA_IadkZmXu1x49nPq8sSsw_UT7ojjJ3yLQQTOn2taMSfFiIDFByvEhJB4/s1350/PNG%20Kumuls%20team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8CdNKDO3MqCJj4CWkrgg-hxrSUhSGrS14w01LZminBF4JWrGhJENvFq9Mf6ZqQhlvYAl8ohdnn4z9Fu8vsKr5Gyprb7WySzLGaJm-m7GsXoAJvKOYmW5Vgde0UhxH6ZA_IadkZmXu1x49nPq8sSsw_UT7ojjJ3yLQQTOn2taMSfFiIDFByvEhJB4/s16000/PNG%20Kumuls%20team.jpg" /></a></div><br />Stanley has already mobilised his squad, with the team landing in Port Moresby on Saturday. He spoke on the importance of the camp and the need for the team to be seen off by the country before the players make their World Cup Campaign. <p></p><p>"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," said Stanley.</p><p>For some of the players, it will be a long-awaited homecoming.</p><p>"Yes, it's been a long time for some, but this gave us even more reason to base the first week in Port Moresby. The week will go quick, and the capital is only 1 part of Papua New Guinea. Still, it has a lot of different groups residing in different areas of the city, so it was important for us as a team to see in person the connection the country has with the Kumuls before heading out."</p><p>Coach Stan also recognised the contribution the sponsors have made. </p><p>"Without our sponsors, PNG LNG, Kumul Petroleum, NGCB and Digicel camps like these don't happen, so I thank them for their continued commitment to the team."</p><p>Fans have eagerly debated and attempted to pick up on any hints around who Stanley Tepend's 24-man pick will be to travel to the United Kingdom. With great pride, we are now able to announce our squad heading over for the World Cup. </p><p>The Kumuls will name an extraordinary mix of talented young up-and-coming players blended into an experienced squad with a total of 70 test appearances between them. </p><p>The Kumuls will come into the World Cup confident that they will have some of the most in-form players to date. The Kumuls World Cup squad will have NRL's premier finisher, Alex Johnston, who this year has been awarded the Ken Irvine Medal for the third year in a row. Johnston knows how to score tries and is sitting equal fifth on the NRL's all-time try scorers list. Johnston will be a critical player in the Kumuls squad.</p><p>Justin Olam's sixth season with Melbourne Storm produced yet another solid run for the Dally M Centre of the Year. Known for his almost untameable ability to break through any defence Olam will happily wear a target on his back as opposing teams attempt to nullify his impact. </p><p>Kumuls will play from the back of the ruck with the Betfred Championship Player of the Year, Edwin Ipape. Edwin is already a fan favourite on the UK terraces coming off an incredible season with the Leigh Centurions. </p><p>To lift the squad's energy and to push effort areas beyond expectations, Kumuls name Queensland Cup Team of the Year Second Row Nixon Putt.</p><p>Papua New Guinea will look for consistency in a longer campaign, knowing they can rely on Rhyse Martin. Rhyse recently set a new Super League record for 38 consecutive goals.</p><p>And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Stanley commented on his selection process. </p><p>"I wanted players with experience, but I also couldn't look past the players that did well in the Pacific Test. The bond they made and the sense of loyalty for winning that match is something to keep together. Players with the right attitude were the ones picked because that's what's important for the longer camp," said Stanley.</p><p>Coach confirmed before the PM's XIII that it would be an opportunity for players to push their selection case ahead of the World Cup squad being named.</p><p>It was all eyes on Edene Gebbie after an impressive but short stint at fullback, who proved too damaging not to be included in the 24. </p><p>Jimmy Ngutlik is an exciting young player who, when given his moment, punished an ignorant Australian defensive line who left him unmarked. </p><p>Sylvester Namo, another young gun, comes in as the humble workhorse after some solid efforts in the middle.</p><p>Wesser Tenza comes into the side after Wartovo Puara was ruled out after breaking his arm during the match. Papua New Guinea had a number of choices for this role, but the handover from Wartovo to Wesser is seamless. He brings the same playing style and form of a classical hooker and will be looking to do his countryman proud in what will be his debut campaign for the Kumuls. </p><p>Keven Appo, Zev John, and Rodrick Tai are all inclusions from the PM's XIII who did enough to solidify their case.</p><p>The team land in the United Kingdom on the 7th and play their first match on the 19th. Stanley remained confident when the question arose around team bonding and only having a short turnaround before game day with the UK-based players. </p><p>"The players in the UK have all been part of our Kumuls team in the past, and whenever they've worn the jersey none of them have let Papua New Guinea down. So I know it won't be any different this time," said Stanley. </p><p>"They're all in good form and have all played together before, so getting them settled into camp shouldn't be any issue."</p><p>Group: D</p><p>Coach: Stanley Tepend</p><p>Captain: TBC</p><p>Number of World Cups: 7</p><p>Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals (2000, 2017)</p><p>Fixtures:</p><p>Wednesday, October 19, 4:30am: vs Tonga</p><p>Wednesday, October 26, 4:30am: vs Cook Islands</p><p>Tuesday, November 1, 5:30am: vs Wales</p><p>All times PNG Time.</p><p><br /></p><p>Next : </p><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: Poppins; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px; position: relative; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2022/10/fiji-bati-team-arrive-in-uk-for-rugby.html" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Fiji Bati Team arrive in UK for Rugby League World Cup</a></h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893775657048086172.post-34709062137963443362022-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:002022-10-02T22:57:42.607-07:00Fiji Bati Team arrive in UK for Rugby League World Cup <p> Vodafone Fiji Bati team has arrived int the United Kingdom made their first public appearance at the RLWC Trophy Tour.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfe619HfBv9haaADu57Vwu6eBTnLny622_Hedlt8XgpqNx2KBhZvRs_8UXPixxBktNABOXl93y8M3seiRIhCnjOgDJ-CWU7m6_PDMtoOD9ve1DRGLqsUSMVDbwNQnKRNgY7puWIcoYPvGRiYBqaejyhfzSURk7zs-t0nQ3fixF4wnZS5DUuKGrZ2s/s960/Fiji%20Bati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfe619HfBv9haaADu57Vwu6eBTnLny622_Hedlt8XgpqNx2KBhZvRs_8UXPixxBktNABOXl93y8M3seiRIhCnjOgDJ-CWU7m6_PDMtoOD9ve1DRGLqsUSMVDbwNQnKRNgY7puWIcoYPvGRiYBqaejyhfzSURk7zs-t0nQ3fixF4wnZS5DUuKGrZ2s/s16000/Fiji%20Bati.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiji Bati team arrive in UK . Photo by FNRL </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Fiji is in Pool B that will play matches against , Australia, Italy, Scotland<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next : <a href="https://rugby.pngfacts.com/2022/10/australian-based-png-kumuls-players.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ef4d1c; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Australian based PNG Kumuls players arrive in PNG in preparation for Rugby League World Cup in UK</a><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com