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.

Pacific Test Fiji Bati Squad to Take on PNG Kumuls

Fiji Bati full squad to take on the Papua New Guinea Kumuls on the 25th of June. The squad will be reduced to  25 men for the final team. 

Sydney Roosters back Kevin Naiqama will again captain Fiji Bati in the upcoming Pacific Test against Papua New Guinea, with Penrith Panthers strike forward Viliame Kikau to act as deputy.

Latest score updates  - International Rugby Matches

• PNG Kumuls 24 - 14 PNG Batis FT
• Samoa 42 - 12 Cook Islands FT
• New Zealand Kiwis 26 - 6 Tonga FT.

Check out the PNG Kumuls lineup and other RL stories here.

Here is the selection list - Fiji Bati 

1. Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm)  
2. Vuate Karawalevu (Sydney Roosters)  
3. Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers) 
4. Issac Lumelume (Canterbury Bulldogs 
5. Iosefo Masi (NQ Cowboys) 
6. Taane Milne (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 
7. Laitia Moceidreke (NQ Cowboys) 
8. Kevin Naiqama (Sydney Roosters) 
9. Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons) 
10. Taniela Sadrugu (NQ Cowboys) 
11. Maika Sivo (Parramatta Eels) 
12. Penioni Tagituimua (Canterbury Bulldogs) 
13. Sunia Turuva (Penrith Panthers) 
14. Semi Valemei (Canberra Raiders) 
15. Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury Bulldogs) 
16. Mesake Kurititoga (Nadera Panthers) 
17. Lamar Liolevave (Tweed Seagulls) 
18. Netane Masima (West Magpies) 
19. Keylen Miller (Mounties) 
20. Tikiko Noke (Parkes Spacemen)  
21. Waqasaqa Qiolevu (Yasawa Saints)  
22. Nasoki Ralulu (Bomballa Blue Heelers)   
23. Joseva Rasiga (Parkes Spacemen)  
24. Joseph Ratu (Tweed Seagulls)  
25. Ethan Robinson Pio Seci (Avignon) 
26. Pio Sokobalavu (Mounties)  
27. Maika Tudravu (Sarina Crocs)  
28. Marika Turagaiviu (USP Raiders) 
29. Ratu Inoke Vasuturaga (Kinoya Eagles) 

The squad will be reduced in the lead up to the Test.

Watch rugby league in Fiji - Mai TV

Mai TV  will be airing the much-anticipated test match between the Fiji Bati and the PNG Kumuls!!

All the action is live and free

Fiji Bati vs PNG Kumuls Live Game Time

Saturday 25th June at 9:30pm Only on Mai TV