PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands: World Ranking at Stake Pacific Cup Challenge

In the Pacific Cup Challenge, the PNG Kumuls and the Cook Islands rugby league teams lock horns at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on October, 2023. Both squads come into this contest fresh from impressive showings at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, each eager to stake their claim as elite rugby league outfits.

World Ranking at Stake

In the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, both teams delivered noteworthy performances. The PNG Kumuls advanced to the quarter-finals but bowed out against the eventual champions, England. Their journey included a remarkable victory over Tonga in the group stage and a fierce challenge against England in the quarter-finals.

Similarly, the Cook Islands reached the knockout stage of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, where they faced eventual runners-up, Australia. Their path was marked by victories over Wales and Lebanon in the group stage.

World Rugby League Rankings

The PNG Kumuls occupy the 6th spot in the global rugby league rankings, while the Cook Islands are positioned at 13th out of 51 participating countries. PNG will have to beat both Cook Islands and Fiji to increase the ranking. 

Both PNG and Fiji are at this sweet spot (45% winning margin) which means that losing a game can cause relegation down the rank.

The PNG Kumuls need to take note of this ranking seriously as they take the field during the Pacific Cup Challenge.

Source: https://intrl.sport/world-rankings

PNG Kumuls Squad (Pacific Test Team List)

Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 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), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Liam Horne (Castleford Tigers), 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).

Here is the schedule for the Pacific Cup, check it out

Cook Island Squad (Pacific Team List)

Tevin Arona, Rhys Dakin, Esom Ioka, Kadiyae Ioka, Kayal Iro, Makahesi Makatoa, Justin Estall-Makirere, Steven Marsters, Esan Marsters, Alvin Maungaati, Davvy Moale, Takai Mokohar, Malachi Morgan, Rua Ngatikaura, Pride Pettersen-Robati, Lucky Pokipoki, Reuben Porter, William Samuel, Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano

Anticipated Showdown at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby

The PNG Kumuls and the Cook Islands will play each other in rugby league on 15th October 2023. This is called the Pacific Cup Challenge. Both teams have good players and want to win. The winning team will move up in the world rankings for rugby league.

The match will be in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The PNG Kumuls will have the home advantage, but the Cook Islands are a good team and want to win.

It is hard to say who will win the match, but it will be close and exciting.

Jack de Belin Joins Papua New Guinea Kumuls Pacific Test

In a surprising turn of events, Jack de Belin has announced that he will represent Papua New Guinea in the upcoming Pacific Cup. This is a major coup for the Kumuls, as de Belin is a seasoned NRL player with over 200 games to his name, and he has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin.

Here is the schedule for the Pacific Cup, check it out

Jack de Belin Papua New Guinea Kumuls 

De Belin had previously declined the opportunity to play for PNG, citing his lack of connection to the nation's culture and people. However, a change of heart has occurred for de Belin, thanks to an approach by newly-instated PNG coach Justin Holbrook, who had previously coached de Belin in the under-20s at St George Illawarra.

He will join a talented PNG squad, including players like Alex Johnston, Justin Olam, and his Dragons teammate Dan Russell, along with former NRL talents Nene MacDonald and Lachlan Lam. The 21-man squad also features Zac Laybutt, Kyle Laybutt, and Rhyse Martin, among others.

Papua New Guinea will kick off their Pacific Cup campaign in the second-tier bowl competition against Cook Islands on October 15 in Port Moresby. They will then face Fiji on October 29. With Jack de Belin's inclusion, the Kumuls' chances in the tournament are looking even more promising.

De Belin's impact on the Kumuls

De Belin's inclusion in the PNG squad is a significant boost for the Kumuls, both on and off the field. He is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience at the highest level of the game. He is also a tough and physical player who will bring added steel to the PNG pack.

Off the field, de Belin is a role model for young players. He is known for his hard work and dedication, and he is also a passionate advocate for the game of rugby league. His presence in the Kumuls squad will inspire other PNG players to strive for excellence.

PNG Kumuls Squad

Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 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), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Liam Horne (Castleford Tigers), 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).

Here is the schedule for the Pacific Cup, check it out

Final words

Jack de Belin's decision to represent Papua New Guinea is a major coup for the Kumuls. He is a seasoned NRL player with a wealth of experience at the highest level of the game. His inclusion in the squad is a significant boost for the Kumuls, both on and off the field.

De Belin's decision to play for PNG is also a sign of the growing popularity of rugby league in the Pacific region. The Pacific Cup is a major tournament, and it is attracting some of the best players in the world. De Belin's involvement will help to raise the profile of the tournament and of rugby league in PNG.

PNG Kumuls Pacific Test Dates/Schedules

The PNG Kumuls are set to compete in the  Pacific Championships, which will be played from October 14 to November 5. The Kumuls are one of six men's teams and seven women's teams that will take part in the tournament, which will be played across two pools.

The men's tournament will begin with two match days in Australia, two in New Zealand, and four in Papua New Guinea. The tournament will culminate in finals in Hamilton, New Zealand, and Port Moresby on November 4-5.

The Kumuls have a proud history in rugby league. They have competed in every Rugby League World Cup since 1985 and in recent years. However, they have never won a major international trophy. The Pacific Championships is a great opportunity for the Kumuls to change that.

PNG Kumuls Set to Compete in Pacific Championships

The Kumuls are expected to be one of the strongest teams in the Pacific Championships. They have some NRL and Queensland Cup stars in their ranks, including Justin Olam and Alex Johnston. The Kumuls will also be boosted by the return of coach Justin Holbrook, who has been appointed on a two-year deal.

Holbrook has a strong track record of success, having led St Helens to the Super League title in 2019. He will be hoping to bring that success to the Kumuls and help them win their first Pacific Championships title.

The Kumuls will be facing tough opposition in the Pacific Championships, but they will be confident of their chances of success. They have a talented squad with a mix of experience and youth. If they can play to their potential, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Pacific Championships Schedule

Week One – October 14-15

• Australia v Samoa (men) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
• Australia v New Zealand (women) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium Townsville
• PNG v Cook Islands (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
• Samoa v Fiji (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby

Week Two – October 21-22

• New Zealand v Samoa (men) at Eden Park, Auckland
• New Zealand v Tonga (women) at Eden Park, Auckland
• Fiji v Cook Islands (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
• PNG v Cook Islands (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby

Week Three – October 28-29

• Australia v New Zealand (men) at AAMI Park, Melbourne
• Australia v New Zealand (women) at AAMI Park, Melbourne
• PNG v Fiji (men) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby

Week Four – November 4-5

TBC.

PNG Kumuls Pacific Test

The Pacific Championships will be a special tournament for the PNG Kumuls. The Kumuls will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage and win their first Pacific Championships title.

The Kumuls have a proud history in rugby league. They have competed in every Rugby League World Cup since 1985. However, they have never won a major international trophy in recent years. The Pacific Championships is a great opportunity for the Kumuls to change that.

A victory in the Pacific Championships would be a huge achievement for the Kumuls. It would put them on the map as one of the leading rugby league nations in the world. It would also inspire a new generation of Papuan rugby league players.

The Kumuls have a lot to play for in the Pacific Championships. They have a talented squad and a home advantage. If they can play to their potential, they have a good chance of making history.

PNG Kumuls Lineup 2023: Prime Minister XIII Kumuls vs Australia

PNG Kumuls Lineup 2023: The PNG Prime Minister's XIII teams for both men and women were officially unveiled at the National Football Stadium, gearing up to face off against the visiting Australia Prime Minister's XIII sides. The Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league fixture between Papua New Guinea and Australia is coming to Port Moresby after a five year absence.

The Prime Minister’s XIII has been named for the match against a PNG XIII on Saturday 23rd September in Port Moresby. The showdown will be hosted at the Santos Stadium (NFS). See the complete line for both the PNG Women's and Men's PM XIII below.

The PNG Kumuls will compete in the 2023 Pacific Championships from October 14 to November 5. Click here to find the complete schedule and other information about the tournament. The PNG Kumuls and Cook Islands lineup is here.

Here are some PNG fans-favourite that are not on the lineup for the 2023 Prime Minister XIII Kumuls vs Australia:

• Alex Johnson (NRL Finals)
• David Mead (Retired)
• Justin Olam (NRL Finals)
• Terry Wapi
• Lachlan Lam (UK Based)
• Wartovo Parua
• Sylvester Namo
• Daniel Russel
• Liam Horne
• McKenzie Yei (UK Based)
• Jacob Alick

PNG Prime Minister's XIII Men

• Treigh Stewart
• Robert Derby
• Rodrick Tai
• Zac Laybutt
• Nene MacDonald
• Gary James
• Kyle Laybutt
• Epel Kapinias
• Judah Rimbu
• Valentine Richard
• Nixon Putt
• Jerimiah Simbiken
• Cruise Ten
• Morea Morea Jnr
• Junior Rop
• Tommy Moidei
• Seal Kalo
• Benji Kot

Coach: Justin Holbrook

PNG Prime Minister's XIII Women

• Almah Johnson
• Belinda Gwasamun
• Bertshiba Awoi
• Emily Verivers
• Essay Banu
• Freda Waula
• Gloria Kaupa
• Jessikah Reeves
• La-toniya Norris
• Leila Kerowa
• Lyiannah Allen
• Mala Mark
• Martha Molowia
• Roswita Kapo
• Lancy Laki
• Sera Koroi
• Shellie Long
• Ua Ravu

Coach: Ben Jeffries

PNG Kumuls Welcome New Coach Justin Holbrook for 2023 Campaign

In a game-changing move for Papua New Guinea's rugby league landscape, the appointment of Justin Holbrook as the head coach of the PNG Kumuls is set to redefine the team's approach. Having served as an assistant coach under Trent Robinson at the Roosters, Holbrook's reputation precedes him. 

As PNG strategically bolsters its domestic pathways, Holbrook's leadership arrives at a critical juncture, aligning perfectly with the preparation for the upcoming four-week tri-series and the the PM's XIII.

Leave a comment below, what do you think about the PNG Kumuls Lineup 2023

Australia PM XIII Lineup 2023

Papua New Guinea Kumuls vs Wales Lineup and Prediction RLWC 2021/2022

The Welsh lost all three of their group matches at the last World Cup, including a 50-6 defeat at the hands of Papua New Guinea that they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of. 

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Papua New Guinea will not just want to win, but win-BIG to make it into the finals.

Papua New Guinea v Wales 31 October 2022

• Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster)
• RLWC Kick off at 7:30pm

PNG Kumuls Line up

1. 1 Alex Johnston, d
2. 20 Rodrick Tai 
3. 3 Nene MacDonald, 
4. 4 Justin Olam, 
5. 19 Jimmy Ngutlik
6. 6 Kyle Laybutt, 
7. 7 Lachlan Lam, 
8. 8 Wellington Albert, 
9. 9 Edwin Ipape, 
10. 17 Emmanual Waine, 
11. 11 Nixon Putt, 
12. 12 Rhyse Martin, 
13. 13 Jacob Alick, 
14. 14 Wesser Tenzer
15. 15 Daniel Russell,
16. 22 Jeremiah Simbiken
17. 21 Sherwin Tanabi 
18. 24 Zev John

Papua New Guinea v Wales prediction

With Tonga and Cook Islands facing each other in Group D, Papua New Guinea will know that victory over Wales should see them qualify, although there is a slim chance that a win may not be enough depending on the points difference. 

With that in mind, Papua New Guinea won’t just want to win here, they’ll want to win by a significant margin. 

Expect them to come out of the traps firing against a Welsh side who struggled to keep a lid on Tonga, ultimately losing by a margin of 26 points. 

Papua New Guinea are a stronger all-round unit on paper and are worth backing to secure a high-scoring victory in Doncaster.

Papua New Guinea's RLWC campaign 2022

It has been a difficult start to Papua New Guinea's campaign with the loss to Tonga. There were lots of missed opportunities in the first game against Tonga. But the win against the Cook Islands is a vote of confidence.

It is sad to lose the stars outside-backs Xavier Coates and Edene Gabi through injury. 

They have the fire-power in NRL superstars Alex Johnson and Justin Olam. 

The result will determine which side will meet England in the quarter-finals.

RLWC 2021/2022 PNG Kumuls wins against Cook Islands

Huge game to round off the 2nd round of group games in the rugby league world cup as Papua New Guinea took on the Cook Islands. PNG bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to Tonga to contest a quarter-final berth with England.

PNG Kumuls vs. Wales RLWC 3rd Game Lineup here 

PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands

You can see the PNG Kumuls vs the Cook Islands line up here.

The PNG Kumuls can take some positives after the narrow defeat to the Tongans. They proved they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the world's best nations. 

The PNG Kumuls put pressure on the Cook Islands' key players Jonathan Ford, Esan Marsters and Brad Takairangi and take control of the contest with the first try.

At full time the Kumuls scored 32 points to 16 Cook Islands.

Papua New Guinea's RLWC campaign 2022

It has been a difficult start to Papua New Guinea's campaign. There were lots of missed opportunities in the first game against Tonga. In fact, PNG Kumuls was the stronger team in the contest. They showed that in the second RLWC game against the Cook Islands with a convincing win.

It is sad to lose the stars outside-backs Xavier Coates and Edene Gabi through injury. 

They have the fire-power in NRL superstars Alex Johnson and Justin Olam. 

The result will determine which side will meet England in the quarter-finals.

PNG Kumuls or Cook Island Vs England

The Cook Islands are bookmakers' predictions, but PNG has the firepower in both forwards and backlines that causes the upset to the Kukis.

Ireland Rugby League World Cup Squad (vs Jamaica, Lebanon and New Zealand)

Ireland has named an impressive World Cup squad to take on Jamaica, Lebanon and New Zealand.

Ireland Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2022 tournament schedule

• Jamaica vs Ireland – Sunday, 16th October – 5pm KO – Headingley Stadium, Leeds

• Lebanon vs Ireland – Sunday, 23rd October – 2.30pm KO – Leigh Sports Village

• New Zealand vs Ireland – Friday, 28th October – 7.30pm KO – Headingley Stadium,

Leeds

RUGBY LEAGUE IRELAND’S 24-MAN RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2022 SQUAD

(Listed with their domestic club)

James Bentley – Leeds Rhinos

Keanan Brand – Leigh Centurions

Liam Byrne – Wigan Warriors

Ed Chamberlain – Leigh Centurions

Josh Cook – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Frankie Halton – Hull KR

James Hasson – South Sydney Rabbitohs

Jaimin Jolliffe – Gold Coast Titans

Luke Keary – Sydney Roosters

Joe Keyes – Halifax Panthers

Toby King – Wigan Warriors (loan from Warrington Wolves)

George King (captain) – Hull KR

Ben Mathiou – Featherstone Rovers

James McDonnell – Wigan Warriors

Ronan Michael – York City Knights

Robbie Mulhern – Warrington Wolves

Richie Myler – Leeds Rhinos

Dan Norman – St Helens

Brendan O’Hagan – York City Knights

Henry O’Kane – West Tigers

Harry Rushton – Huddersfield Giants

Innes Senior – Huddersfield Giants

Louis Senior – Hull KR

Michael Ward – Batley Bulldogs

Australian Prime Minister’s XIII Line-up againt PNG Kumuls

The men’s Australian Kangaroo PM’s XIII will face off against PNG Kumuls at Suncorp Stadium before the semi-finals of the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership.

Australian RL is fielding a strong team leading up to the Rugby League World Cup in England.

Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII full squad

1. Daine Laurie
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Zac Lomax
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Matt Burton
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
9. Ben Hunt
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Nat Butcher
12. Angus Crichton
13. Josh King
14. Max King
15. Beau Fermor
16. Jake Simpkin
17. Luke Garner
18. Josh Curran
19. Jake Averillo
20. Sam Walker

Check out the possible PNG Kumuls lineup here. The Kumuls are likely to retain the team that beat Fiji Batis in the Pacific Test match in June.

Image: Fox League/Twitter

How to watch  Australian Prime Minister’s XIII vs. PNG Kumuls

All matches will be broadcast on the Nine Network and Fox Sports. 

The PM’s XIII matches will be broadcast on GEM. 

This is the first time the PM’s XIII matches will have been broadcasted on free-to-air television in Australia and in PNG.

PNG Hunters New Head Coach

The PNG Hunters will have a new head coach.

Matt Church took over from Michael Marum and has been with the PNG Hunters for the past 3 years.

Church will join the Suzuki Brisbane Tigers next year.

This was confirmed by QRL. 

''Matt Church has signed a two-year contract to the lead the club as the new Hostplus Cup head coach.'' QRL.com.au [29/08/2022]

 Hunters New Head Coach

Who will be the PNG Hunter new head coach?

Hunters board and Chairman Stan Joyce will have to select a coach who can deliver like Marum did in 2017.

Australian Kangaroo 2022 World Cup Lineup

The Kangaroos are set to enter next year’s World Cup as the fourth-ranked team behind New Zealand, England and Tonga. 

The Kangaroo has not been out of the bottom 5 for a long time, but the 2022 Rugby League World Cup (2022 RLWC) in England could be the real test. 

Check out the Cotton On NRL Mechandise 

(Possible) Australia Kangaroo 2022 World Cup Lineup 

1. James Tedesco (C)

2. Josh Addo-Carr 

3. Stephen Crichton 

4. Valentine Holmes 

5. Brian To'o 

6. Cameron Munster 

7. Nathan Cleary 

8. Junior Paulo 

9. Apisai Koroisau 

10. Patrick Carrigan 

11. Haumole Olakau’atu 

12. Liam Martin 

13. Isaah Yeo 

(14. Reuben Cotter 15. Payne Haas 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Matt Burton)

Likely inclusion Australian Kangaroo 2022 World Cup Lineup 

Backs

1. Dane Gagai

2. Latrell Mitchell 

3. Selwyn Cobbo

Forwards

1. Fa’asuamaleaui

2. Hunt

3. Carrigan

4. Murray

5. Nanai

6. Grant

7. Paulo

2022 Rugby League World Cup (2022 RLWC) England

The RLWC will be played in several venues in the north of England from October to November 2022. 

The Kangaroos will enter the 2022 RLWC behind New Zealand Kiwis, England RL and Tonga RL.

Finals are scheduled for the following days:

• Qtr Finals start on the 4th November 2022
• Semi-Finals start on the 11th of November 2022

Check here for all NRL and RLWC stories

 

Fiji Batis lineup and fixtures 2022 RLWC

 Fiji have arrived 2 weeks early in England, and are ready for RLWC2022.

Penrith pair Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau and Parramatta’s Maika Sivo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Waqa Blake headline a star studded Fiji Bati squad named for the World Cup. 

The Bati will be led by Sydney Roosters back Kevin Naiqama and Kikau, who are among 17 NRL stars included in the squad announced by Fiji coach Joe Rabele.

Fiji Batis lineup 2021/2022 RLWC

Here is the Fiji Batis lineup for the world cup.

NRL Panthers and Storms Cotton On's Off-field Merchandise is a Ripper

The NRL clubs' stylish range of merchandise from Cotton On started in 2019 with 6 clubs. Fast forward to 2022, the super comfy, off-field branded clothes cover all 16 NRL clubs. The NRL Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm Cotton On's off-field clothing range are a ripper. Check out the sample below. 

NRL Cotton On Super Comfy Off-field Clothes

The first clubs (and fans) to enjoy the clothing range were Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Eels, Storm, Broncos or Cowboys. Their fans were ecstatic!

Cotton On also made pay options available to fans through their vouchers and other promos. Even, they gave free merchandise to fans (and convert some AFL fans to NRL). See what some fans said about the surprise NRL gifts that they got from Cotton On.

IDK anything about NRL or even watch it but ever since cotton on accidentally sent me that eels shirt I’ve decided they’re my team. [Laura, Twitter, May 2021]

 

Demand for NRL Cotton On Clothing Range

The demand for quality clothing for the NRL teams and their supporters where high. Cotton on realised the open market available to them. Many NRL fans wanted their NRL clubs brands that are comfy, comfortable and snug. 

The sentiments were shared by many fans on social media. Here are some statements that show that the fans really wanted an NRL Cotton On range in 2018/19 having seen the Cotton On AFL clothing ranges:

I am SO jealous of the AFL’s collaboration with Cotton On. Why can’t the  @NRL have merchandise as nice as this Crying face @SeaEagles  maybe we could be the first to start? [Ella, Twitter, 19/08/2019]

Cotton On have an AFL range for women. Does anyone want to make an NRL one? [Steph, Twitter, 17/03/2018]

Cotton On NRL clothing ranges 

Though Cotton On NRL clothing ranges is expensive they are super stylish and of high quality.  In fact, the Cotton On NRL and AFL ranges are super clean. The quality is A1. Here are some photos. 

Disclaimer: We do not own the photos. All credits are given in cation. 

Image: Hit Network

Image: Hit Network

POPULAR ON AMAZON NOW: MERCHANDISE

Image: Cotton On | NRL

NRL Panthers and Storms Cotton On's Off-field Merchandise Pages

The Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm Fan ranges are the best collections. We displayed some on the pages here. The links on these pages take you directly to the Cotton On website and NRL.com. Take a look: NRL Storm Cotton On Vs Panthers fans collections.