PNG and South Sydeny Rabbitohs ink deal

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/39551

PNG, Souths ink deal
Source:
The National, Thursday 11 October, 2012
THE game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Feb 9 next year at Redfern oval in Sydney is one of several fixtures that the PNG Kumuls train-on squad will play as part of their preparation leading up to the World Cup in October next year in England.
The team will be called the “PNG Representative side” and not Kumuls.
The name ‘PNG Kumuls’ is only used when the side play fully-fledged international matches sanctioned by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).
Under the agreement reached with the Rabbitohs, the Redfern-based club will pay for the return airfares from Port Moresby to Sydney for 25 players/officials, four nights’ accommodation in Sydney, all bus transfers to and from the airport including one local trip for sight-seeing.
They will also provide strapping and medical supplies to the team during training sessions and on the day of the match.
Twelve grandstand tickets and 50 general admission ground tickets will also be provided to the side for their supporters.
“I am very happy with this negotiated deal as bulk of the cost to attend this game in Sydney will be picked up by South Sydney,” PNGRFL board chairman John Numapo said.
“The cost to PNGRFL will be minimal and I thank Souths CEO Shane Richardson and the chief commercial officer John Richardson for their understanding and support to pull this through.”
The Contract Agreement for the match was signed in Sydney two weeks ago.
After the match against the Rabbitohs, the PNG representative side will travel to Brisbane to play another two matches against the Ipswich Jets on the Feb 13 and a Toowoomba representative side on the Feb 17 before returning home.
Accommodation and meals will be provided for players and officials.
Numapo reiterated that the cost to the PNGRFL for these two games in Queensland would also be very minimal.
He added that efforts would also be made to revive the annual two-game series with Fiji.
“We are still holding discussions with the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) for a return match against the Fiji Bati in June or July in Fiji next year.
“Again, this match will be used as part the Kumuls’ preparations for the World Cup.
“We are currently negotiating a cost-sharing arrangement with the FNRL,” Numapo said.
PNG and Fiji played a two-match series last year.

 

[newman]

Gotta hand it to the Rabbitohs. They are streets ahead of any other club with this sort of stuff, and even the NRL. They have now played Leeds in the U.S, Warrington and now PNG. Great for the PNG boys in terms of experience and developing their team game. What does their draw look like at the world cup?. They got cruelled with their group in 2008.... I hope they can win a few more this time around.

 

[Evil Homer]

'The team will be called the “PNG Representative side” and not Kumuls.
The name ‘PNG Kumuls’ is only used when the side play fully-fledged international matches sanctioned by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).'



Finally people with some idea about how international sport works. Credit to everyone involved with this.

 

[Billythekid]

It's a good chance for a club like souths to have a look at the talent PNG has to offer. It could potentially be a gold mine for new talent. It's great for PNG to get some exposure to top level RL as well.

 

[Broncos thats my team]

'The team will be called the ?PNG Representative side? and not Kumuls.
The name ?PNG Kumuls? is only used when the side play fully-fledged international matches sanctioned by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).'



Finally people with some idea about how international sport works. Credit to everyone involved with this.

I knew you would be, so am I actuly.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20121217/sport01.htm

PNG Residents team named

By KEVIN TEME

Veteran Kumuls prop forward Rodney Pora and three other notable national representative players, Jessie Joe Parker, Larsen Marabe and Gonzilla Urakuse may miss out playing for the PNG Resident side announced yesterday.
Though Parker was not named in the side that was officially announced in a press conference at the Ela Beach Hotel by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League interim board and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko.
This may be due to his playing with English club, Whitehaven.
Marabe and Urakuse are also heading for the new season with English clubs.
For Marabe and Parker, they were issued their sporting visa by the British High Commission to play in England, according to information posted on it’s website.
Pora also confirmed having a contract however, he said visa has always been an obstacle for many aspiring local players and he may not take that offer rather play for his country in this three lead up matches.
Pora also revealed yesterday that the 2013 World Cup would be his last representative game before he retires from professional football.
Pora, Marabe and Urakuse were named yesterday as part of the 20 men resident side that will be taking part in three different lead up games in Australia before heading to England for the World Cup challenge which kicks off on the 26th of October next year.
The squad which was announced yesterday will be known as the PNG Residents train on squad and will go into camp on the 27th of January in Port Moresby.
The first match will pit the PNG Resident 13 in the Cabramatta International 9s tournament on the 2nd of February while on the 9th will be the match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the Redfern Oval in Sydney.
The national squad announced yesterday is dominated by local players taking part in the Digicel Cup competition.
The full team and its management were also announced. Current PNG Prime Minister’s XIII head coach Adrian Lam is the coach while Michael Marum of Agmark Gurias is the assistant. Bob Cutmore is the team manager and his deputy will be former national selector Kera Ngaffin.
Neil Dunkley is head trainer or conditioner and he will be assisted by Solomon Kuliniasi.
Doctor James Naipao will be the team doctor and Mathew Natusch will be the physiotherapist.
The PNG Residents train on squad are Josaiah Abavu, Richard Kambo, Larsen Marabe, Israel Eliab, Enoch Maki (Vipers), Albert Patak, Dion Aiye, Pora, Wartovo Puara Junior (Gurias), Urakuse, Glen Nami, Wesley Mohukule, Thompson Teteh ( Lahanis), Mathew Puke, Charlie Wabo, Roy Kela (Muruks), Jason Tali ( Eagles), David Loko (Mioks), Mark Mexico ( Tigers) and Esau Siune (TNA Lions).

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/42707

No changes
Source:
The National, Monday 17th December, 2012
By KEITH PUARIA
NATIONAL selectors have kept faith in the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII team by naming an unchanged 20-man squad to play Australian NRL side South Sydney in February.
Coach Adrian Lam retains his role after guiding the resident team to a narrow 18-24 loss to a star-studded Australian Prime Minister’s XIII side in September.
Interim PNG Rugby Football League chairman Don Fox announced the team at a media conference yesterday and renamed the side PNG Residents XIII, which excludes overseas-based players.
“We deliberately did that and believe we made the right decision,” Fox said.
“Those who played in the PM’s XIII match did very well against the Kangaroos and it wouldn’t be right to leave them out totally after what they showed in that match.
“Who is to say they won’t be as good against the (South Sydney) Rabbitohs?”

The game is a key part of the PNG Kumuls’ preparations for the 2013 World Cup tournament in England next October.
Fox added that Lam’s coaching staff of assistant coach Michael Marum and trainers Neil Dunkley and Solomon Kuliniasi were also retained.
Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who officially endorsed the team, praised the selection process and emphasised the opportunity presented to the players.
“This is an opportunity for our very own home-grown players to be seen and exposed,” he said.
“The team was selected on merit by the collective effort of all those involved. It is something that has been done right and through an honest process.”
Residents team: Josiah Abavu, Matthew Puke, Richard Kambo, Jason Tali, Albert Patak, Dion Aiye, Israel Eliab, Rodney Pora, Charlie Wabo, Gonzella Urakusie, David Loko, Mark Mexico, Glen Nami, Wesley Mohokule, Larsen Marabe, Enoch Maki, Wartovo Puara, Essau Siune, Roy Kela and Thompson Teteh.
Management team: Bob Cutmore – manager, Kera Ngaffin – assistant manager, Dr James Naipao – team doctor, Matthew Natusch – physiotherapist.
Training programmes will be sent to the players and fitness tests will be done on Jan 27 when the team assembles in Port Moresby.
The team will depart for Sydney on Feb 1 and return on Feb 17.
The “Return to Redfern” one-off match on Feb 9 will be the second commitment for the PNG team after a scheduled appearance at the Cabramatta International 9s tournament on Feb 2.
A match against Queensland Cup side Ipswich Jets on the return trip from Sydney is yet to be confirmed.

 

[deal.with.it]

That is great news that PNG is playing in the cabra 9's. They will be joined by about 3 Philippines teams, the Japanese team, hopefully Vanuatu again, and possibly Portugal. There is definitely the opportunity for that comp to develop into the premier international 9s comp.

As for the squad, great to see the faith kept in the team that challenged the Aus PM 13s. Allows them to continue to build some momentum. It will be a challenge for them playing in Australia, but if they can put on a good show, when their pro players are called up for the WC, they should be in a good position to challenge for a semi final spot.

Funds are always the issue, but if some other developing nations could tie in a 13-a-side match in Australia while competing in the 9s tournament, it would be really cool. Or even for example PNG play Vanuatu while both teams are in Australia for the 9s to cut costs.

Food for thought, with the only way being forward.

 

[Clarke]

Gotta hand it to the Rabbitohs. They are streets ahead of any other club with this sort of stuff, and even the NRL. They have now played Leeds in the U.S, Warrington and now PNG. Great for the PNG boys in terms of experience and developing their team game. What does their draw look like at the world cup?. They got cruelled with their group in 2008.... I hope they can win a few more this time around.

PNG are in group B in the next world cup with New Zealand, France and Samoa.

 

[deal.with.it]

PNG are in group B in the next world cup with New Zealand, France and Samoa.

A very tough pool. Who knows what will happen. Particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, i think points will be harder to come by. I'm not prepared to take a guess at all who will make the quarters.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

They (probably) only have to win one game. They won't beat the Kiwis so thy need to roll either France or Samoa. They do it tough in Europe, especially if it's cold, and beating France at home won't be easy. But if there's one thing you can be certain of and that's France's ability to disappoint. Samoa will be a bunch of aging Kiwi rejects again so they might be PNG's best hope.

 

[newman]

A tough group, sure. But everything is relative. And relative to the nightmare draw they were handed in 08 this is a walk in the park.

 

[Bronco Rob]

A very tough pool. Who knows what will happen. Particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, i think points will be harder to come by. I'm not prepared to take a guess at all who will make the quarters.

And isn't it great to have tough pools like this in the WC! It creates a lot of interest in the tournament and this pool is no exception.

 

[deal.with.it]

A tough group, sure. But everything is relative. And relative to the nightmare draw they were handed in 08 this is a walk in the park.

Agree 08 was a tougher pool, but you just never know when it comes to France and Samoa

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/43718

Trials ‘vital’ for World Cup
Source:
The National, Thursday 10th January, 2013
By KEITH PUARIA
PNG’s biggest failure on the international rugby league scene has been confidence playing away from home and the endurance to last until the end, says former Kumul and Residents XIII assistant manager Kera Ngaffin.
“That’s why this game against South Sydney and the rest of the team’s lead up preparation schedule is very important for the World Cup,” Ngaffin said.
His comments were supported by another former Kumul and Resident’s assistant coach Michael Marum.
“We definitely need a lot of games to fix up on certain areas of our game,” Marum said.
“It is an opportunity for the players to put their hands up and for us to really see not just their on-field performance but their discipline as well,” Marum said.
Ngaffin, a veteran of 14 tests, expressed his sentiments yesterday while confirming the progress of the Residents’ preparations two weeks before the “Return to Redfern” match on Feb 2.
“This is a grand opportunity, which we probably were not given much of when we were playing – to be exposed and build confidence playing away from home,” he said.
“Despite the circumstances, and if the proposed schedule goes ahead, the timing looks good.”
Ngaffin said that close contact with members of the team and regular updates on their progress according to the training programme initiated by coach Adrian Lam were “all positive”.
“I think, after the PMs XIII match, a very strong mindset and belief was established, and that has been great for the players.”
He also hinted at other possible trial matches against overseas teams.
“There is a possible match with Samoa or an Australian club in April and hopefully a return of the PNG Residents and internationals in June or July where the final team will be put together.
“Then there is the Prime Ministers XIII match just before the World Cup so we will make sure the best team is selected,” he said.
Ngaffin confirmed that administrative arrangements for the Sydney trip were almost completed before the team go into camp on Jan 27.
Meanwhile, Digicel Cup champions Agmark Gurias have started training and preparing for their Queensland, Australia, tour in February following the Residents’ trip.
The Gurias will play Queensland Cup side Northern Pride on Feb 23 followed by a match against a university team in on March 2 before they return for the start of the 2013 Digicel Cup season.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/43839

Residents’ test
Source:
The National, Monday 14th January, 2013


ADRIAN Lam’s PNG Residents XIII face a daunting task against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Feb 9.

The match will be an indicator of how many overseas-based players will be needed in the Kumuls’ overall make-up ahead of the Rugby League World Cup in October.
With selectors opting to give local players the first crack at securing spots in a likely 27-man squad for England, the match at Redfern, Sydney, looms as the first and perhaps only chance for PNG-based players to book their tickets to London in a little over nine months.
With Lam sounding a warning at the begining of the month, Residents XIII players are expected to be approaching peak fitness levels with playing groups in Port Moresby and Kokopo understood to have already started training.

In Kokopo, Digicel Cup premiers Agmark Gurias began pre-season training two weeks ago with Residents big guns Dion Aiye and Rodney Pora teaming up with Wartovo Puara Jr and Albert Patak.
In Port Moresby, Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks), Richard Kambo, Israel Eliab, Enoch Maki, Larsen Marabe and Josiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers) joined Vipers training sessions while in Goroka, Lahanis’ Glen Nami, Wesley Mohokule, Gonzella Urakusie and Thompson Teteh were expected to be in training.
Information on Lae-based Mark Mexico (Tigers) and Matthew Puke, Roy Kela (Muruks) as well as Mioks’ dynamic backrower David Loko and Kundiawa forward Essau Siune was not available but all were aware of the coaching staffs expectation.
Despite not having played together since September, the side will get an opportunity to work off the rust at the Cabramatta 9s tournament on Feb 2, a week after assembling on Jan 27.
But Redfern remains the biggest test to tie up World Cup spots and Lam, who has previously stated that overseas-based players would be included, was likely to use the Feb 9 match against a fully-fledged NRL side as his benchmark.
The most troublesome facet in the Kumuls’ game has been in the organisation and playmaking department with five-eighth Aiye, utility Eliab and rake Wabo, the players to carry the burden of directing play.
They will do it against a Rabbitohs outfit that will not have super star Greg Inlgis, prolific try-scorer Nathan Merrit, Kiwi No. 9 Isaac Luke and towering English forward Sam Burgess, all of whom are expected to be involved in the NRL-Indigenous All Stars match on the same date.
Still, the probable Rabbitohs line-up is nothing to smirk at with the hulking Burgess brothers Tom, George and Luke to see game time with new recruits Ben Te’o, Beau Champion, Jeff Lima and halves John Sutton and Adam Reynolds complementing veterans Roy Asotasi, Michael Croker and Matt King presenting a formidable challenge.
Meanwhile, as the Residents XIII prepare to take on Souths and two tentatively scheduled Instra Queensland Cup sides on a two-week tour, overseas players in the running to make the final squad, Paul Aiton, Jason Chan, Neville Costigan, David Mead, Joe Bond, Jessie Joe Parker, Makali Aizue, Ray Thompson and James Segeyaro will be watching the side with interest.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130123/sport11.htm

PNG PM invited


By KEVIN TEME

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will attend the game between the PNG Resident XIII and South Sydney Rabbitohs onFebruary 9 in Sydney, Australia. Sports and Pacific Games minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed this yesterday after receiving an official invitation from South Sydney.
“I am glad to announce that the Prime Minister will be there as well as me and my vice minister Labi Amaiu. The PM has accepted the invitation and this is all to promote rugby league,” Tkatchenko said.
Tkatchenko also announced a tour package with the PNGNRL Bid for Papua New Guineans willing to travel and support the PNG team. “The Bid team has come up with a fantastic tour package for 50 supporters wanting to go watch the game in Sydney but it will be a first come first serve basis as there is limited seats available,” Tkatchenko said.
Bid CEO Brad Tassell said this was made possible through their contact with South Sydney who made available 50 tickets.
“The package which costs K6000 includes return flight with Air Niugini, accommodation for three nights, a grand stand seat, all transfers including meeting players from both teams and a tour luggage consisting of a polo shirt and travel pack,” Tassell said. He warned that PNG supporters trying to make their own way down may find themselves missing out as seats available were limited.
“There are only 8000 or so seats available at the Redfern Oval and all the tickets will be sold out by then because most of the tickets have been bought by the Rabbitohs club members. “If you get this package, you will be guaranteed to watch the game as well as other benefits mentioned above,” Tassell said. For enquiries, the CEO can be contacted on 3259499 or email ceo@pngnrlbid.com
Tkatchenko said: “To go there, it will cost more than K10,000 including accommodation, meals, transport etc but I thank Brad Tassell and his team for the wonderful package that is on offer for the first 50 people.”
Payments must be made no later than February 1 and the 50 people will depart Port Moresby on February 8 and return on February 11.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/44594

Uphold Kumuls ‘culture’
Source:
The National, Tuesday 29th January, 2013
By KEITH PUARIA
THE Residents XIII team management have gone back in time to re-breed the Kumuls culture ahead of the clash against South Sydney and the rugby league World Cup.
Coach Adrian Lam is firm on reminding his players that there is a Kumuls culture to uphold and a long and proud tradition to honour.
“They must realise it’s a privilege to put the Kumuls jersey on,” Lam said.
“We just want to remind them that players have come and gone before them and had set a benchmark, that there is a history.”
A long list of all former Kumuls has been posted in the team room, except for the ’75 and ’77 tests, by manager Bob Cutmore.
The list includes player statistics and has proven a difference for those in camp.
“Most of us did not know much about former Kumul teams and their achievements, so it’s quite humbling,” prop Gonzella Urakusie said.
“To know about the players and teams before us and what it really means to wear the jersey is really big motivation for us.”
Urakusie admitted the team management had yet to speak about the lists and the history on the team room walls but that it had already been the talking point among his teammates.
“We want them to realise that there is tradition, but most importantly that there are not too many players who were there for a very long time.
“There are not too many double figures for how many times players have played tests in the past, players making their names only by one or two appearances,” Cutmore said.
The past two days for Lam has been about what the team already knows and reemphasising them at training sessions.
“There is a difference between PNG and the NRL, these clubs started at the end of October last year, a four month head-start, and we’ve only just got into our preparations.” he said.
“Players have passed their medical tests but are not necessarily fit, and it will be about the extra conditioning before we leave for Sydney.
“This game’s going to be hard but it’s going to be good for our purpose.”

 

[parraparraparra]

What is deal with 75 and 77?

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news-di...ld-Cup-Preparations-and-the-Country-Lam/67773

PNG win Cabramatta 9s - RTR Match Important for World Cup Preparations and the Country: Lam
Words: Jeremy Monahan and Radio Australia I Photo: townsvillebulletin.com.au and RLIF
Monday 4 February 2013 10:42 AM


Papua New Guinea Head Coach Adrian Lam says this week's Return to Redfern clash is very important to his side's preparations for the 2013 World Cup, and is even more important to the people of Papua New Guinea, speaking from a training camp with his players in PNG, prior to this weekend's victory in the NSWRL's Cabramatta 9's tournament.
Lam; the former NRL, Papua New Guinea and Queensland State of Origin player; who has been training his residents squad in PNG, will look to capitalise on their 9's tournament victory with a win in the clash with the Rabbitohs at the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre at Redfern Oval this Saturday 9 February at 6pm.
Lam spoke to Radio Australia Geraldine Coutts last week, saying it was a very important game for the players, coaching staff, and the people of PNG.
"This is important for the country," Lam said.
"We don't get an opportunity to travel too often, overseas to play matches like on the 9th against an NRL side, so everybody's excited about it, the whole country has been informed about it and everyone's talking about it up here.
"A lot of people are traveling and it will be a great event."
Coach Lam says his troops will be giving their all to knock over the Rabbitohs who finished in third place in last year's Telstra Premiership.
"We've set ourselves some basic goals," Lam said.
"We want to go down there and give our absolute best of course.
"This is a step along the way for this World Cup that's coming up in October in the UK, so we've got a big season ahead of us.
"We've got a high performance unit that's being put in place here to assist us to get to where we want to be.
"This is one of the steps along the way and it's certainly a great experience.
"The PNG Residents side don't travel enough and to get down to Redfern and play against them will be an opportunity not only for the country but for these players as well to cement a spot in the World Cup.
"This gives the players an opportunity to get a feel of what it's like to travel.
"Going down to Sydney, a lot of the players, well I think there's 14 players that haven't left the shores of Papua New Guinea, ever, so this will be an eye-opener for them as well."


Lam says he believes his side will give South Sydney a shake in the Return to Redfern clash.
"I think we're a chance," Lam told Radio Australia.
"It's the same squad that played against Australia in the Prime Minister's XIII in September and we were about three minutes away from winning the game.
"We led with three minutes to go.
"There's a good harmony between the players.
"We've shown them the confidence to select them again and give them another opportunity.
"They understand that again this a step towards the World Cup selection and they also understand that we've given them the confidence, and backed them, to have another go at this, and they've trained pretty good all week.
"We've been very happy and looking at their professionalism.
"They haven't put a foot wrong at the moment, so we've just go to stay with the process and keep working hard."

To listen to the full interview,http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/in...-kumuls-prepare-for-rabbitohs-faceoff/1081530