Kumuls Out To Give Best Shot
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls will use Tri-Nations competition to prepare for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
The Kumuls take on the Australian Kangaroos and the Vodafone Fijian Bati at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Arriving into Nadi International Airport, team captain, David Mead said the team comprised local and international players.
“This is our RLWC team, we are looking at it as a trial match.
“We have 11 players from PNG Hunters in the squad and the rest are playing in Australia and England,” he said.
The Brisbane Broncos player said the squad had a good mix of players.
The 29 year-old said it would be tough but they are ready to face the challenge.
“It is going be tough for us but know that we are out there to prepare well even though it’s a friendly match against the two teams.
“We know we are going to be out there giving it our best shot,” he added.
Read said it was his first time in Fiji and he looked forward to experiencing the nice and welcoming gesture that the nation was known for.
“I have heard a lot of good stories about Fiji from my family and friends who visited earlier, they said it’s a very nice and welcoming place and I am looking forward to experience that,” he added.
Michael Marum coached PNG Kumuls for the last three years.
“We have a good mixture of players, we got PNG Hunters and international based players, we expect a good game against the Australian Kangaroos and the Fiji Bati.
“They have a much stronger side so this is going to be used as a trial and we are looking forward to the match, this is the final world cup squad.
“Hopefully we don’t lose anyone to injuries,” Marum added.
He said the world cup would be tough.
“We want to successfully finish our first three games, then move on,” Marum added.
He also called on support from Papua New Guinea community in Fiji to come and support the team on Saturday.
Fixtures;
3pm; Australia Police-Fijian Police;
5:30pm; Fijian Bati-PNG Kumuls;
6:30pm; PNG Kumuls-Australia Kangaroos;
7:30pm; Fijian Bati- Australia Kangaroos
Tickets: Grandstand- $120, Concrete Embankment- $50, Grass Embankment- $20
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj
