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.

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

From SP Cup to Digicel Cup: The Rich History of Semi-Professional Rugby League in Papua New Guinea

 Rugby league holds a special place in the hearts of Papua New Guineans, capturing their passion and enthusiasm like no other sport. One competition that has played a significant role in cultivating this love for the game is the Semi-Professional (SP) Cup, later known as the Bemobile Cup and now the Digicel Cup. 

This storied tournament has produced provincial heroes, unforgettable matches, and memorable moments that have become part of the nation's sporting heritage.

Inception and Early Years (1990-1993)

The roots of the semi-professional rugby league in Papua New Guinea can be traced back to 1990 when the inaugural SP Cup competition, formerly known as the SP Inter-City Competition, was introduced. 

The first grand final showcased the Port Moresby Vipers against the Mt Hagen Eagles, with the Vipers emerging victorious with a dominant 26-6 win. 

The following year, the Vipers and Eagles met again, this time drawing 18-all at full-time. The Vipers claimed victory in extra time, securing their second consecutive title and setting the tone for their dominance in the early years of the competition.

The Moresby Boys' Dominance and Goroka Lahanis' Rise (1994-1996)

The Port Moresby Vipers continued their impressive run, claiming their third consecutive title in 1992 by overpowering the Mt Hagen Eagles once more, this time with a convincing 31-10 win. 

However, their reign was finally halted in 1993 when the Goroka Lahanis emerged as worthy adversaries, dethroning the Vipers with a hard-fought 20-12 victory in the grand final.

The Vipers, fueled by a desire for redemption, bounced back in 1994, exacting sweet revenge on the Lahanis with a thrilling 20-12 triumph in the grand final. This victory solidified their position as a formidable force in the Papua New Guinea rugby league.

New Challengers and Heart-Stopping Moments (1995-2000)

As the years passed, the competition saw new contenders emerge, showcasing the depth and talent in Papua New Guinea rugby league. 

In 1995, the Lae Bombers and Mendi Muruks engaged in a memorable grand final that had fans on the edge of their seats. In a nail-biting contest, the Bombers narrowly edged out the Muruks 19-18 to claim the prestigious cup.

The 1996 competition witnessed the resurgence of a stronger Mendi Muruks, who defeated the Kundiawa Warriors 22-9 in a match that, unfortunately, had to be abandoned in the 63rd minute. 

The following year, the Mt Hagen Eagles made their fourth grand final appearance and secured their second title by defeating the Lae Bombers 29-10. The Eagles' momentum carried into 1998 when they clinched their third title with a hard-fought 24-18 win against the Mendi Muruks.

Changing Fortunes and New Champions (1999-2000)

The turn of the millennium brought a shift in fortunes, as the Goroka Lahanis reclaimed their title in 1999 with a commanding 26-0 victory over the Rabaul Gurias. The Gurias faced another setback in 2000, falling short against the Enga Mioks with a close 16-22 scoreline in the grand final.

Evolving SP Cup to Digicel Cup

The Semi-Professional Rugby League in Papua New Guinea, now known as the Digicel Cup, has been a pivotal force in shaping the nation's sporting landscape. 

From the dominance of the Port Moresby Vipers to the rise of challengers like the Goroka Lahanis, this competition has provided rugby league enthusiasts with countless memorable moments and heroes to cheer for.

The Rich History of Semi-Professional Rugby League in Papua New Guinea

 As the Digicel Cup continues to evolve, the future looks bright for Papua New Guinea rugby league, and fans can eagerly anticipate the next generation of provincial heroes.