The Papua New Guinea Kumuls have put their SP Brewery Pacific Cup rivals on notice today despite going down 42-18 to the ARL Prime Minister’s XIII side in Port Moresby.
Thousands of local fans lined the road into Lloyd Robson Oval for the arrival of both teams before a 10,000 strong crowd saw the Kumuls welcome the Australians with brutal defence early in the match.
However a hat-trick of tries to Michael Jennings and a terrific performance from crowd favourite and captain Johnathan Thurston saw the Australian side pull away late in the second half.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister’s XIII side joined the Kumuls to promote critical health messages at various locations including the children’s ward of Port Moresby General Hospital, Tubusereia Village and Boera Village.
Thurston said the Kumuls would be a tough proposition for competing nations Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Cook Islands in next month’s inaugural RLIF SP Brewery Pacific Cup to be held in Port Moresby.
“They were definitely very tough and they’ve still got a fair few overseas players to come into the squad,” Thurston said.
“Going by how well their young blokes did today and the fact they’ve got that home ground advantage, I think they’ll do really well in the Pacific Cup
Among the most popular players with local fans was Manly Sea Eagles flyer David Williams. ‘The Wolfman’ was mobbed by fans throughout the tour:
“The whole trip was an incredible experience,” winger David Williams said.
“I can’t believe how passionate all the people here are about Rugby League – it’s pretty inspirational.
“Getting out in the community and trying to promote things like HIV prevention and respecting match officials… you really felt like you were being listened to.
