PNG Legends vs Aust Legends on Nov 18

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/38458

New League Legends concept to see former Kumuls play
Source:
The National, Friday 14th September 2012
By KEITH PUARIA

AN Australian Legends side will play a Papua New Guinea Legends in the Ela Motors Legends of League challenge on Nov 18.
This was confirmed at the 2012 Ela Motors Legends of League Challenge launching yesterday.
Ela Motors and the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Bid yesterday launched the event at the Ela Motors showroom in the presence of Sports Vice-Minister Labi Amaiu, Bid Committee member Graham Osbourne, Legends of League organiser Troy Byers, and former Australian rugby league star Scott Hill.
“The value of this event to the community is huge for us.
“It is the satisfaction of being able to assist this kind of events, give the local community the opportunity to see players, stars that they only see on TV that is value for us,” Ela Motors national sales and marketing manager Rob McKeon said at the launch.
“We are very proud to be able to present this international event to the people of PNG.”
“The event confirmed itself as an annual event after a successful debut last year, and is set to be even bigger and better,” Bid chief executive officer Brad Tassell said.
After the success of last year’s ‘Origin Legends’ event, the bid has taken the concept even further with the Aussie Legends taking on the PNG legends.
“It will be a wonderful three days and will celebrate and recognize not only the former Australian greats, but also the former PNG greats of the game,” Tassell said in the release.
Tassell also confirmed that the match would be televised LIVE across the nation by EMTV, and appealed to the PNG business corporate sector to support the event through sponsorship packages.
PNG Legends Marcus Bai, Adrian Lam, Arnold Krewanty, Stanley Gene, North Bougainville MP Louta Atoi, Raymond Karl, Ben Bire, Stanley Haru, Kera Ngaffin, Joe Gispe and Bal Numapo are some of the former Kumuls set to take the field in November, while Australia have confirmed Hill, Robbie O’Davis, David PeachyNathan Blacklock, Wayne Bartrim, Julian O’Neill.
Australian legends that have noted interest but have yet to confirm are Brad Fitler, Preston Campbell and Brett Kimmorley.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20121019/sport01.htm

Civoniceva joins Legends

By KEVIN TEME

Recently retired Brisbane Broncos and Australian Kangaroos powerhouse prop, Petero Civoniceva, will embrace the PNG rugby league fans when he comes to Port Moresby for the Legends of League clash between Australia and PNG next month.
All thanks to PNG Nambawan Trophy Ltd (NWTL) for getting behind Civoniceva and making him available for the Legends of League match.
The match is part of the PNGNRL Bid to have more international matches in PNG and to enchance PNG’s chances of having a team in the Australian national rugby league competition. The Australian born Fijian, Civoniceva, has now given his thumbs up to be part of the Australian Legends that will take on the former PNG Kumuls in the Ela Motors Legends of League game.
In an announcement made by PNG Nambawan Trophy Ltd, Civoniceva is widely regarded as one of the best forwards to have played rugby league, and his coming is a boost for the game in PNG.
Civoniceva is one of the best league players in the world, with a distinguished playing career, which has seen him joining 3 NRL clubs. He is the most capped forward for Queensland (33) and for Australia (45) and is the third on the list of all time appearances for Queensland. He also has three NRL premierships under his belt, won while playing for the Brisbane Broncos.
“The coming of Petero was sponsored by PNG Nambawan Trophy Ltd, and we are excited about his participation in the Legends event,” said PNG NWTL Group General Manager, Jim Gui.
“Petero is a true gentleman of the game, very approachable, with excellent values and is truly looking forward to working in PNG with our group of companies. He is regarded as one of the greats in rugby league and we are very pleased he will be taking part,” Gui said.
“We want to be associated with winners and Petero is certainly a winner, but also very humble. Our company can only benefit from having someone of Petero’s caliber as spokesperson, endorsing our products and services,” added Mr Gui.
PNGNRL Bid CEO, Brad Tassell, said that Civoncivea’s appearance was a major boost and sincerely thanked PNG Nambawan Tropy for securing Petero’s participation in the Legends of League event. “He is a class act. Not only is he one of the greatest forwards to ever lace on a boot but he is genuinely a nice guy. We want that type of person to be part of the event and to go back to Australia and promote the good things about PNG rugby league,” Tassell said.
Meanwhile, Civoniceva said that he was looking forward to the experience. “I am excited about coming to PNG and playing in front of all the great PNG fans and supporters. I am really looking forward to working long-term with the NWTL group of companies and Jim Gui,” Civoniceva said.
PNGNRL Bid also announced yesterday that former PNG Kumuls hardman, Raymond Karl, has confirmed his availability for the match. Other PNG legends that have yet to confirm their availability are Marcus Bai, John Wilshere and Bruce Mamando.

 

[madunit]

this needs to be televised, but sadly won't be

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/40551

MPs make Kumuls Legends side

Source:
The National, Thursday 01st November, 2012
THE PNG Legends team were announced yesterday to take on the Australians in the Ela Motors Legends of Leagues match on Nov 18 at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
Interestingly, two parliamentarians, Simbu Governor Noah Kool and North Bougainville MP Lauta Atoi, have made the final team after the close of public voting last Friday
PNGNRFL Bid chief executive officer Brad Tassell said over two thousand votes were received from the public on who they wanted to see in the PNG legends team.
“Congratulations to the players, coach and managers selected. It is an honour for them to be voted into the inaugural PNG legends team by the PNG public.
“This is their team, voted by them and we are looking forward to a really great weekend of Legends events, culminating in the match on Nov 18,” Tassell said.
The squad members will be contacted to ensure their availability to play and will go into camp at the Holiday Inn on Nov 16.
They will be guests of honour along with the Australian Legends at the Legends Dinner that night at the Dynasty Restaurant, Vision City.
Tickets for the dinner and corporate tickets for the match are still available.
“I know the players selected are very excited and very proud to take part in the Ela Motors Legends of League.
“They are coming from all over PNG, Australia and the UK to take part.
“We’re now encouraging fans to get to the match and support their legends team in what will be a really entertaining day of rugby league,” Tassell said.
Richard Wagambie and Kera Ngaffin who were both in the nominated PNG Legends list of 25 for voting, were named as coach and co-manager for the PNG Legends team.
PNG Kumuls’ coach AdrianLam named captain and Rabaul Gurias mentor Michael Marum as vice-captain.

PNG Legends: Dairi Kovae, Arnold Krewanty, Bal Numapo, Mea Morea, David Gomia, Stanley Gene, Adrian Lam (C), David Wesley, Michael Marum (VC), Raymond Karl, Arebo Taumaku, Bernard Waketsi, Nande Yer, Stanley Haru, Daroa Ben Moide, Tuksy Karu, Max Tiri, Noah Kool, Louta Atoi, Andrew Norman, Richard Wagambie (coach), Kera Ngaffin (manager), Peter Barnanga (assistant).
Tassell also said he would love to see the PNG Legends come together and work to improve the game in PNG.
“The players in the squad now have the opportunity to come together and support the improvement of rugby league in PNG. I think it’s a great opportunity for the players to start to discuss forming an Old Boys Club or FOGS type concept (former Origin greats) similar to what is in place in Australia.
“We would certainly support that type of initiative as it will have a positive effect on the game in PNG with the former greats having a voice and an avenue to put back into the game they love.”
Players who were unavailable for selection due to other commitments were Bruce Mamando, John Wilshere, Marcus Bai, Tom O’Reilly and Mark Mom.
Former PNG Kumuls players are asked to contact the PNG NRL Bid office on 325 9499 to register their name and contact details for the lap of honour prior to the match.

 

[mikail-eagle]

It will be interesting to see what short of shape some of these guys are in. Most off them will have aged a fair bit too.

Below is just some information regarding the PNG Kumuls Legends. Just to put their playing careers, experiences and achievements into perspective.

1. Dairi Kovae- Kumuls fullback and winger 1986-1989. Played in the 1986 win over the
Kiwis. Also played Rest of the World Team Vs Australia in 1988.
Played for North Sydney in 1988 & Newcastle Knights in 1989.

2. Arnold Krewanty-Kumuls Winger 1987-1991. Newcastle Knights foundation player.
Played 2 seasons in 1988 & 1989. Also played Rest of the World
Team Vs Great Britain in 1988. Played in the 1990 win over
Great Britain.

3. Bal Numapo- Kumuls Centre 1984-1990. Captained the Kumuls in their only win against Great
Britain in 1990. Also had stint with Canterbury Bulldogs but played only in
reserves.


4. Mea Morea -Kumuls Centre from 1987 to 1988. Also played in the 1990 win over
Great Britain.
5. David Gomia- Kumuls centre from 1994-1996, was part of 1995 World cup Kumuls
Team
6. Stanley Gene- No intro needed.

7. Adrian Lam - No intro needed.

8. David Wesley- No intro needed.

9. Michael Marum- Played at the 2000 World Cup.

10. Raymond Karl- Prop forward from 1996 to 2001. Played at the 2000 World Cup.
Had stint with the Sydney City Roosters but played only in reserves.

11. Arebo Taumaku-Made his Kumuls debut in 1982. Played in the 1986 win over the
Kiwis. Played his last game for the Kumuls in the 1990 win over
Great Britain.

12. Bernard Waketsi- Made his Kumuls debut in 1981 and was constant pick until 1987.
Played in the 1986 win over the Kiwis.
13. Nande Yer -2nd rower and lock forward from 1992-1996

14. Stanley Haru – Kumuls 5/8 and halfback from1990 to 1996

15. Daroa Ben Moide- 2nd rower and lock forward from 1988-1994. Was part of the Port
Moresby Vipers 7’s teams in 1991-1993

16. Tuksy Karu - Kumuls 5/8 from1991 to 1994. Was part of the Port Moresby
Vipers 7’s teams in 1991-1993
17. Max Tiri - 2nd rower and lock forward from 1990-1996

18. Noah Kool- Not sure how he qualifies to be a Kumuls Legend. Played only 1 Test
Match of the bench. And that was the 1990 win over Great Britain.

19. Louta Atoi- PNG’s prince of centres. Played every Kumuls Test between 1985 and
1989 including the 1986 win over the Kiwis in which he scored a try and
set up another for his winger. Also had a 2 year stint with Redcliff
Dolphins in the early 1980’s.

20. Andrew Norman- -2nd rower and lock forward from 1999-2000. Played at the 2000
World Cup.

 

[Sydney Knight]

Daroa Ben Moide was also a star for Waratah Mayfield in the Newcastle Rugby League in late 80s and early 90s including a grand final win against Lakes United in 1990. May have even been man of the match and scored the winning try.

 

[mikail-eagle]

For those you've never seen him. Daroa Ben Moide is the one abusing the corner post flag at the 1.46 min mark in this Yutube Clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3_0GAINwuc

 

[mikail-eagle]

Another player in this clip:

Tuksy Karu- In the number 6. Does the juggling act at the 22-23 second mark and runs away to score
under the posts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWFoI8Q6k4g&feature=related

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/40861

Aust Legends boast greats
Source:
The National, Thursday 8th November, 2012
THE Australian Legends team for the Ela Motors Legends of League match against their Kumul counterparts were named yesterday.
The clash will be on Nov 18 at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
The Australian team contain a host of former greats including recently retired Brisbane Broncos legend Petero Civoniceva.
For many of the players, it will be their first visit to PNG and they are relishing the opportunity to play here according to PNG NRL Bid CEO Brad Tassell.
“Interest is certainly growing each year in the Legends concept and the Australian players are very excited about taking on the PNG Legends,” Tassell said.
“A few have vivid memories of playing PNG and how tough and physical the matches were and, even though the players are older now, they still expect the same treatment.
“It is fantastic that we are able to attract some high profile former Australian greats and I have no doubt that the event will continue to grow each year and be a regular fixture on the PNG rugby league calendar,” he said.
Tassell said the match was a great opportunity for PNG rugby league to promote relations between the two countries.
“It is an excellent way to further strengthen rugby league relationships between the two nations and show that we can attract and manage international events regularly and successfully.
“I have said all along that the prime reason for the concept way to change the perception of PNG and rugby league in the country and the Ela Motors Legends of League event gives us that opportunity, while also remembering and recognising the rich history of rugby league in PNG and Australia and the great players who represented their respective nations.”

The Australian Legends: Robbie O’Davis, Nathan Blacklock, Scott Hill, Matt Geyer, John Hopoate, Julian O’Neill, Noel Goldthorpe, Martin Lang, Jamie Goddard, Petero Civoniceva, Paul Sironen, Bryan Neibling, Scott Sattler, Justin Loomans, Cliff Lyons, Sid Domic, Stuart Kelly, Leo Dynover, Sean Hoppe, Jamie Feeney, Max Krilich (coach), Steve Jackson, Tony Currie (manager).

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8563834

Legends lure Civoniceva out of retirement


Veteran rugby league forward Petero Civoniceva will end 72 days of retirement to play for the Australian Legends against PNG in Port Moresby on Saturday.

The most capped forward for both the Queensland Origin side (33 games) and Australia (45 games) surprised the rugby league world last month when he announced a career comeback to play for his former Brisbane club Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

On Saturday he will join ex-NRL players including Cliff Lyons, Robbie O'Davis, Nathan Blacklock, John Hopoate, Paul Sironen, Julian O'Neill and former Kiwi winger Sean Hoppe in a legends side coached by former Test captain Max Krillich.

"Originally I thought I was just going up there (PNG) to help promote the legends clash but they've told be to bring my boots," Civoniceva said.

"I'm going to be a pretty sore boy come Sunday morning."

Civoniceva played the last of his 309 NRL games in Townsville last month after the Cowboys ended Brisbane's season with a 33-16 finals win at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

He said he was "very excited" about taking up his new post with former Parramatta favourite Nathan Hindmarsh later this month as community engagement officers rolling out future NRL programs and initiatives.

"Hindy and I had a bit of a laugh that we'd been appoint the new ceo of the NRL," said Civoniceva.

"I'll be working out of the Queensland Rugby League office with some flexibility to do some days out of Redcliffe as well.

The Australian legends team is: Robbie O'Davis, Nathan Blacklock, Scott Hill, Matt Geyer, John Hopoate, Julian O'Neill, Noel Goldthorpe, Martin Lang, Jamie Goddard, Petero Civoniceva, Paul Sironen, Bryan Niebling, Scott Sattler, Justin Loomans, Cliff Lyons, Sid Domic, Stuart Kelly, Leo Dynover, Sean Hoppe, Jamie Feeney. Coach: Max Krilich.

 

[Titanic]

Just adding some background on these guys:

Stanley Haru played for Mackay in their Qld State League win over Brisbane Wests in 1994 and was later captain of the Vipers in their two seasons of Qld Cup in 1996/97. That team included Ngaffin, Karu and Marum.
Bernard Waketsi was Kumul captain in their win over the Kiwis in 1986.
Arebo Taumaku was Vipers captain in their premiership win over Mt. Hagen Eagles in the inaugural SP Inter-City Cup in 1990. That team included Krewanty, Morea, Karu and Haru.
Louta Atoi is Lauta Atoi.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Thanks for the additional info Titanic.

And just off the top of my head the Kumuls Legends teams contains 4 former Kumul Captains.

1. Bernard Waketsi (Captain in 1986 win over NZ)
2. Bal Numapo (Captain in 1990 win over GB)
3. Stanley Haru (Capatin after Bal Numapo)
4. Adrian Lam. (Captain after Stanley Haru)

I'm also think that maybe Arebo Taumaku was the Kumuls Captain after Bernard Waketsi. Could you confirm any of this Titanic ?

 

[deluded pom?]

Didn't Stanley Gene ever captain the Kumuls?

 

[mikail-eagle]

I'm not sure but I can't remember Stanley Gene ever being captain of the Kumuls. At the 2000 World Cup Adrian Lam was already the Captain.

Lam was succeeded by John Wiltshire who was captain up to the 2008 world cup. I'm not sure who was captain at the 1995 World Cup but Stanley was only making his debut so it couldn't be him.

He could have captained some one off matches or PMXIII games but I just can't think of any right now.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Actually Stanley Gene did Captain the Kumuls in a game against Australia. The Game was played in Townsville on the 10 October 2012.

Australia won the match 70-22.

 

[Titanic]

I'm also think that maybe Arebo Taumaku was the Kumuls Captain after Bernard Waketsi. Could you confirm any of this Titanic ?

You're right up to here but I am not sure about that. Taumaku was bounced around between hooking/prop/back row by Barry Wilson and I think he was just about stuffed by the time the DCA group started to break up in 1987. I have a feeling that Roy Heni got the nod at one stage when Hobar Wests were all the go (also Tony Kila captained Moresby from PX about then too) but once the Vipers took over in 1990 (Taumaku was pulled out of retirement to captain them that first year) then those good old boys were gone and the John Wagambie era began.

I had to laugh about a comment I read today that Taumaku should wear his trademark headband ... that's bs ... he wore a bandage for most of 1990 as the teargas Vipers got belted from one end of PNG to the other ... those were the days one of my favourite memories of that year was all of us packing into a bus in Goroka after the predictable riot and having to hide in Goroka Police Barracks. We'd lost Stanley Haru and thought he was dead ... police cars burning, airport closed and all. Instead he'd been rescued by his mates early on and was sitting on a wantoks balcony having a quiet beer near the field watching us escape the fight ... the irony was that he threw the first punch.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.pngnrlbid.com/index.php?page_id=218

BIRE REPLACES ATOI IN PNG LEGENDS TEAM FOR LEGENDS OF LEAGUE CLASH

The PNG Legends team has one change from the team originally announced with Ben Bire replacing Louta Atoi who has had to withdraw due to personal reasons. Atoi will be invited as a special guest to the Legends match.

Bire, a blockbusting forward was next on the voting list and gets his start in the inaugural legends team. BID CEO Brad Tassell has vivid memories of Bire as a player;

“I played against Ben when he and Joshua Kouoru played for Tully in the Cairns competition and with them in Cairns representative sides. I remember Ben having the biggest calves I had ever seen. He was a big man and very difficult to contain, so he will be a welcome addition to the Legends team. Its unfortunate that Louta cannot take his place but I would like to congratulate Ben on his selection.”

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.pngnrlbid.com/index.php?page_id=219

Australian Legends Arrive

An early contingent of NWTL Australian Legends players will arrive in Port Moresby tomorrow (Wednesday) in preparation for the ELA MOTORS LEGENDS OF LEAGUE event this weekend.

Players Petero Civinoceva, Scott Hill, Jamie Goddard, Justin Loomans, Darren Albert, and Sid Domic will touch down at 12.30pm for pre-match media and school appearances on Thursday & Friday in Port Moresby. PNG Legend Adrian Lam will also arrive and join fellow Legend Stanley Gene who has arrived from the UK.

Former Newcastle Knight and grand final star Darren Albert replaces Nathan Blacklock on the wing for the NWTL Australian Legends side.PNG NRL BID CEO Brad Tassell said excitement was building for the match;

“We only have about 2 tables left for the dinner on Friday night (420 people) and are fielding a lot of enquiries now about tickets to the match. The players have started to arrive now including Stanley Gene from the UK and there is a real buzz around the place. Having spoken to a lot of the PNG players they are really looking forward to the event as are the Australians and we are anticipating a big crowd at the match this Sunday. We are
encouraging fans who want Grandstand corporate tickets to get in now otherwise they may be disappointed on game day. General ground tickets will go on sale from 10am Game day (Sunday) and again we would encourage fans to get their tickets early. It’s a packed day of
entertainment culminating in the Ela Motors Legends of League match kicking off at 3.30pm.”

FULL GAME DAY SCHEDULE

10.30am GATES OPEN
10.45am CORPORATE 9’S – PNG Gardner vs. Freight Management
11.20am CORPORATE 9’S – Inchcape Shipping Services vs. Port Moresby Funeral Home
11.55am Women’s Rugby League
1.00pm FULL TIME
1.05pm PNG NRL BID School Boys – Southern Zone vs. Aroma Coast
2.10pm FULL TIME
2.15pm JOKEMA
3.00pm PNG Legends – Lap of Honour
3.10pm Honlly Isaac - PNG NRL BID Song
3.15pm Official photos
3.19pm Dignitaries to meet players

Welcome Addresses

3.26pm Australian National Anthem
Papua New Guinea National Anthem
3.30pm ELA MOTORS LEGENDS OF LEAGUE KICK OFF
NWTL Australian Legends vs. NGCB PNG Legends.
5.10pm TROPHY PRESENTATION

Former PNG Kumuls players are reminded to contact the PNG NRL BID office on 325 9499 to register their name and contact details for the lap of honour prior to the ELA Motors Legends of League clash on Sunday 18th November.

 

[Titanic]

http://www.pngnrlbid.com/index.php?page_id=218

BIRE REPLACES ATOI IN PNG LEGENDS TEAM FOR LEGENDS OF LEAGUE CLASH

The PNG Legends team has one change from the team originally announced with Ben Bire replacing Louta Atoi who has had to withdraw due to personal reasons. Atoi will be invited as a special guest to the Legends match.

Bire, a blockbusting forward was next on the voting list and gets his start in the inaugural legends team. BID CEO Brad Tassell has vivid memories of Bire as a player;

?I played against Ben when he and Joshua Kouoru played for Tully in the Cairns competition and with them in Cairns representative sides. I remember Ben having the biggest calves I had ever seen. He was a big man and very difficult to contain, so he will be a welcome addition to the Legends team. Its unfortunate that Louta cannot take his place but I would like to congratulate Ben on his selection.?

Wrong! Ben, Josh and Stanley Haru played for the now-defunct Babinda Colts in the Cairns competition.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Went and watched what was a very fun and entertaining Legends game yesterday.

The pre match entertainment was the best I've seen in a long time. Both sets of teams arrived more than an hour before the game and warmed up on the field which delighted the crowd.

Other former kumul players who weren't playing also did a lap of honour before the game.

The game itself was lively. Scoring trys was the order of the day as defensively both teams didn't turn up. But the attack, ball movement, chip kicks, flick passes, cross field kicks etc was some of the best I have seen.

The game was played in four 20 minute quaters and the lead seemed to change with possession. At half time the scores were locked at 26 all.

Straight after halftime the Kumuls Tuksy Karu kicked a cheeky field goal for the kumuls to take a 1 point lead.

In the end the 1 pointer made a big difference with the Kumuls winning 45-44.