PNG Prime Ministers XIII vs AUS Prime Ministers XIII

[mikail-eagle]

The Match is confirmed for Sunday 12th October 2014.
Venue: Kalabond oval, Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.facebook.com/pages/PNG-RFL-Papua-New-Guinea-Rugby-Football-League/531057333687951

PM13 PNG KUMULS VS. AUSTRALIAN KANGAROOS ANNUAL DINNER

2014 marks the 10 year anniversary of the annual PM13 clash between the PNG Kumuls and Australian Kangaroos, which is to be played @ Kalabond Stadium, Kokopo on Sunday 12th October, 2014……..and what an event it is shaping up to be!

With the success of the SP PNG Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup and a new breed of exciting young talent, the PNG Kumuls will take on the might of a FULL strength Australian Kangaroos in their only game to prepare for the upcoming 4 Nations Tournament.

To rub shoulders with all of the PNG Kumul and Australian Players and coaches, book now for the annual PM13 dinner to be held on Friday 10th October, 2014 at Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, Kokopo. A PNG Kumul & Australian Kangaroo player will be seated at each table at the dinner, which will feature highlights from previous encounters, live music and memorabilia auctions.

Don't miss out! Tickets are strictly limited so get in early and book your table NOW!

Complete the attached booking for and email or fax back secure your spot at the Fundraising dinner.

For further enquiries contact Brad Tassell on 71114699 or email brad@pngrfl.org.pg

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/74835

Kumul Jerseys up for grabs

Source:
The National, Wednesday September 3rd, 2014
By JOHN PANGKATANA

ALL potential Kumuls playing in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) will be targeted for national selection this year.

This is because the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII will be on October 12, a week after the NRL grand final.

With the Australian PM’s XIII team likely to be at near Test strength as well, PNG Rugby Football League board chairman Sandis Tsaka said the PNG side needed to be as strong as possible.
Tsaka said national selectors would be confirming those on the Kumul watch-list in the Super League in England, plus the Queensland and New South Wales Cup competitions as well.

“On top of our home-based talent, our national selectors have been tasked to consider those that are playing in all high level overseas competitions,” Tsaka said.

“If we can have James Segeyaro (Penrith Panthers), David Mead (Gold Coast Titans), Nene McDonald (Sydney City Roosters), Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Wellington Albert (Penrith) that would be great.”

Tsaka said following the success of the PNG U19 team at the Commonwealth Games Nines in Glasgow, Scotland, this year, he was confident that national selectors would continue their good job.
Tsaka would not elaborate on selections, but did indicate that a host of Digicel Cup players were being considered as shadow players among the mix.

In regards to the coach, Tsaka said an official announcement would be made to confirm the 18 players and team management later this month.
The leading candidate for the PM’s XIII job is PNG Hunters mentor Michael Marum, with prospecting lieutenants in Hela Wigmen-winning Digicel Cup coach Stanley Hondina, Lae Tigers coach Stanley Tepend and Kumul assistant Nigel Hukula among the picks as assistants.

He said with the Digicel All-Stars and National Zone All-Stars clash match being played as the curtain raiser, national selectors will have all players, including Hunters players, to finalise the Test team for the match against Tonga on October 19 at the Lae Rugby League ground.

Tsaka confirmed that selections for the Digicel Cup All-Stars team would be finalised this week and be endorsed by the PNGNRL before an announcement was made.

He said the All-Stars coaching staff and management would come from the Digicel Cups top four clubs – the Gurias, Wigmen, Tigers and Mioks.
“The National Zone All-Stars team and coaching staff will be finalised following the zone championships from September 13-16 in Lae,” Tsaka said.

 

[Dakink]

Full strength kangaroos??? That would be awesome

 

[paulmac]

Why can't this be a full sanctioned test?Also didn't know Alex Johnston was eligible.And again I say it every year I hope this match can get some TV coverage here in Australia.

 

[jim_57]

?If we can have James Segeyaro (Penrith Panthers), David Mead (Gold Coast Titans), Nene McDonald (Sydney City Roosters), Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Wellington Albert (Penrith) that would be great.?
.

If they can get those players on the park and in the next few years a few more players from Hunters and Juniors in to the NRL they are looking good for the 2017 World Cup. Surely with in the next few years a few Hunters will make the step up.

1 Johnston
2 D Mead
3 W Albert
4 N McDonald
5 G Lo

Would probably top any backline outside the top 3 nations.

It would especially if they can land a few home games at the new stadiums being built in Port Moresby.

 

[cumberlandsashes81]

I had no idea that Alex Johnston was of PNG heritage...

I found it amusing on Sunday that Ray Warren was calling James Segeyaro's replacement, Kierran Moseley, a Kumul.

 

[mikail-eagle]

Nene McDonald was today named for Australia U20's.

 

[hutch]

Ridiculous but what options did he have? Havnt seen any png under 20's games announced!

 

[goodplayer]

apua New Guinea has won the inaugural Commonwealth Rugby League Championship, defeating Australia 22-8 in the final of the Nines competition in Glasgow.
The two-day tournament was played as an exhibition sport for the Commonwealth Games, officially endorsed by the Commonwealth Games Federation and featured Under 19s teams from eight nations, with Australia represtented by the Sydney Roosters SG Ball winning team.
Wales took the bronze medal, beating Canada 20-8, while Scotland defeated England to finish in fifth place and Jamaice beat South Africa to finish seventh.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...eague-title-20140629-zsq5w.html#ixzz3DTiZHfD1

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.facebook.com/pages/PNGRFL-Papua-New-Guinea-Rugby-Football-League/531057333687951


18th September 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

PNGRFL ANNOUNCE PM13 SQUAD

The PNGRFL have announced the PNG Kumul PM13 Squad for the clash against the Australian Kangaroos PM13 in Kokopo on October 12th.

The Squad was today signed of by the PNG Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neil, before being released in line with protocol for the 10th Year anniversary of the PM13 match.

The 21-man squad includes overseas-based players Wellington Albert, Rhys Martin, Mark Mexico and Luke Page.

A strong inclusion into the squad Page is contracted to the Canberra Raiders and is the 2014 Intrust Super Cup Player of the Year and qualifies to play for PNG. Page will join the squad in Kokopo once visa requirements are met.

Albert will await a final clearance from his surgeon on the 23rd September before joining the squad, while Mexico will join the squad this Sunday 21st September to begin training for the clash. Rhys Martin – currently in the Sydney Roosters top 25 player list will finish his senior club commitments before joining the squad.

Segeyaro, Thompson, McDonald and Jayden Hodges are unavailable for selection, while Alex Johnson is also unavailable and likely to line up for Australia in the PM13 clash. David Mead and Rod Griffin are also unavailable due to both getting married in October.

Head Coach Mal Meninga expressed his confidence in the squad which was finalised in consultation with selectors and Assistant Coach & Hunters Head Coach Michael Marum;

“It was a difficult and long process trying to work through which overseas based players were available and as it is not a World Cup Year it is difficult to secure the services of overseas based players, due to eligibility guidelines, club commitments, injuries etc. Having said that we are excited about the young talent available and the pathway that has been created in PNG.

The selection focus was on combinations and youth and the best group of players playing at the highest level possible. Luke Page was a welcome addition. He is only 23, big, strong, aggressive and I know the Raiders have a big wrap on him. He is also really excited about playing so we are pleased to have him. Rhys is another who deserves a chance to show the talent he has and Wellington and Mark desperately wanted to play – this is the attitude we want.

The Hunters have had a fantastic season and have a number of young talented players who are now proven at a high level, who are fit and ready to take on what will be a star studded Australian team. There are a number of new young faces to the Kumul Squad and we have to focus on the players who will still be here and will form the basis of the Kumul’s Squad for the next World Cup in 2017. The National Selectors have also done a wonderful job with the All Star Squads. I am very excited about the young talent playing in the All-Stars match and players who stand out have a chance to be included into the Kumul squad for the test match against Tonga the next weekend in Lae.”

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka also emphasized the building process the Team Kumul program has to undertake;

“I would like to thank our National Selectors, Head Coach Mal Meninga and Assistant Coach Michael Marum for a tremendous job. It’s not an easy task picking any representative team in PNG and we realize there will be plenty of comments about who should be in and who shouldn’t be in, but we have to clear the decks and concentrate on our young players and get them into the Digicel Cup, Hunters, Team Kumul then through to the NRL to be competitive on the international stage. This is serious business and important for our nation to forget the old ways of selections and realistically look at what we have to do and the big picture for the future of the game in PNG. We have to decide NOW on where we want to be, how to get there and what group of players we want for 2017.

We also need to create our own homegrown stars and provide a pathway into the NRL and with the pathway created we hope to have several players in the NRL who have come through that pathway by 2017, who are ONLY eligible to play for PNG and hungry to represent their nation. We are in a rebuilding phase and we have to start now or we wont be where we want to be in 3 years time and competitive with the top nations internationally. Local Team officials will also be invited into camp to learn from Mal and Michael during the International period. I firmly believe we are taking the right path and it’s an exciting time to be a young talented rugby league player in PNG right now.”

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.facebook.com/pages/PNGRFL-Papua-New-Guinea-Rugby-Football-League/531057333687951


PM13 Kumuls Squad (in alphabetical order):

2014 PM Xlll Kumuls Squad:

Dion Aiye - PNG Hunters
Wellington Albert - NYC Penrith
Stanton Albert - PNG Hunters
Israel Eliab - PNG Hunters
Adam Korave - PNG Hunters
Roger Laka - PNG Hunters
Gary Lo- PNG Hunters
Timothy Lomai - PNG Hunters
Rhys Martin - NYC Roosters
Mark Mexico - NSW Cup Cronulla
Willie Minoga- PNG Hunters
Luke Page - ISC Souths Logan
Sebastine Pandia - PNG Hunters
Brandy Peter - PNG Hunters
Wartovo Puara - PNG Hunters
Esau Siune - PNG Hunters
Jason Tali - PNG Hunters
Thompson Tete - PNG Hunters
Lawrence Tu’u - PNG Hunters
Adex Wera- PNG Hunters
Noel Zeming- PNG Hunters

 

[Son of Minto]

Didnt know Luke Page was of PNG descent, hes a good player.

Also, Rhyse Martin is the younger brother of former Kumul Tyson Martin.

 

[cumberlandsashes81]

I think that the inclusion of a Women's game as a curtain raiser to the PMs XIII match is an excellent initiative. With the large number of women now playing in PNG they may be real contenders in time for the Women's World Cup in 2017...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/PNGRFL-Papua-New-Guinea-Rugby-Football-League/531057333687951?fref=nf

23 September 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

PNGRFL ANNOUNCES WOMENS SQUADS FOR PM 13 CURTAIN RAISER

THE PNGRFL has announced two squads of 17 players to play as a curtain raiser to the PM13’s match on October 12 in Kokopo.
The teams were chosen by the National Selectors at the recent National Championships held in Lae and now get the chance to showcase their talents along with the men at the prestigious match.
A Women’s national team will be selected from the match in Kokopo, with plans underway for games in PNG or an international tour in 2015.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka endorsed the squads and said women were equally important to the future of the game in the country.

“We will continue to do our utmost best to try and spread the funds at our disposal to encompass all sectors of the population involved in the game of rugby league, and representative duties are very much a part of the development process."

“PNG would probably have the bigger base of women who support or play Rugby League in the world and we are putting in place a program for our talent women players, who have been largely neglected in the past.”

Women’s Teams:

Sakino Gansamu, Mala Mark, Anna Oiufa, Cathy Neap, Jacklyn Sele, Matilda Kataro, Jacobeth Nenge, Betty Kawage, JayJay Passingan, Annette Waine, Salina David, Kelvin Ogizo, Irene Torepa, Roselyn Dau, Lorraine Torao, Jemima Julius, Helen Jared.
Coach - Johnny Gigs, Manager - Detuel Niting, Trainer - Patrick Tommy.

Stephanie Vilamur, Dianne Kaupa, Helma Johnson, Naomi Kaupa, Rhana Sabumei, Slyder Dorum, Seli Joe, Maima Wai, Mantex Pala, Eunice Ingirin, Victoria Boas, Della Audama, Malin Tom, Doris Tom, Yarowina Morofa, Vero Waula, Brenda Goro.
Coach - Minty Lewa, Manager - Grace Michael, Trainer - Sammy Rice.

 

[cumberlandsashes81]

It wouldn't be PNG without some selection controversy...! Apparently wants some Digicel Cup players included and no heritage players from overseas...

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/75994

Vice minister questions PMs XIII selection criteria

The National, Wednesday 24th of September, 2014
By HENRY MORABANG

LOCAL talent participating in the Digicel Cup should be given a fair chance to represent the country in the Prime Ministers XIII rather than overseas-based players, an MP said.
Sports Vice-Minister and Moresby North-east MP Labi Amaiu called on the national selectors to inform rugby league fans on what criteria they used to choose players.

Amaiu made the comments after Nene MacDonald (Roosters) and Alex Johnston (South Sydney) opted out of playing in the upcoming match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII in Kokopo next month.

As someone who played the game and was part of its administration in Port Moresby, Amaiu asked whether there was a method to the selections.

Amaiu, who was tasked to oversee rugby league and soccer as the vice-minister, was disappointed that no Digicel Cup players made the PNG PM’s XIII side. “I think the PM’s XIII match should be used as a vehicle to promote local players and the national zone players,” Amaiu said.

“I believe that PNGRFL can take stock of its playing resources locally instead of relying on overseas-based players who may or may not play for us.”

He commended PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka for the good work he had overseen this year and urged him to ensure more Digicel Cup players were given opportunities.
Amaiu called on the league to have a policy of not picking players who switched allegiances to other countries.

 

[deal.with.it]

"Amaiu called on the league to have a policy of not picking players who switched allegiances to other countries."

Exactly what I've been saying! Just because they're good players doesn't mean they're good for PNG RL.

 

[mikail-eagle]

The Ministers call is just one of many in regards to players switching allegiances. Alot of heated debate going on in PNG social media about it.

And I do think that there is now a very big chance that players who have switched allegiances to other countries will not be considered at all in the future.

Johnson was never a PNG Kumuls player but Mcdonald, Segeyaro, etc might not be selected for the 2017 World Cup or the Qualifiers before that if they miss out on Australia.

 

[cumberlandsashes81]

Who was the player they called the "white Kumul" at the 2013 World Cup?

 

[mikail-eagle]

The 2008 White Kumul was Jay Aston. Am not sure if he is still playing these days.

 

[mikail-eagle]

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=560223680771316&id=531057333687951

25th September 2014

MEDIA RELEASE
PNGRFL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO PM13 SQUAD

An additional two players have been added to the PNG PM13 squad for the upcoming match against the PM13 Kangaroos in Kokopo.
The inclusions have been brought in to replace Wellington Albert and Luke Page who are unavailable for the PM13 and Tonga Tests.

Albert who underwent surgery on a shoulder injury midway through the 2014 season was hopeful of being cleared to play, however after consulting with his specialist on Tuesday was officially ruled out. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation and his shoulder is not yet fully recovered in time to play in both matches, much to his disappointment.

Page has had considerable pressure placed on him by his NRL Club the Canberra Raiders to be in full training for the off-season in preparation for his first year with the Raiders in 2015 and while wanting to play has had to reconsider after discussions with his NRL club.

The two players added to the squad include Kato Otio, a 20 year old, 6’4”, 110kg centre who was a stand out at the recent National Championships and Prop forward Henry Wan from the Snax Tigers. Both will join the squad in camp in Kokopo immediately.

Head Coach Mal Meninga said while disappointing for both players it now opens the door for two other young players to come into camp;
“We named a larger squad than normal in case we had any situations such as this or any injuries leading up to the PM13 match. Its unfortunate Luke is unable to play and when its not a World Cup year NRL clubs do place a lot of pressure, particularly on their fringe or young players to rest in the off season and not risk injury. Wellington was very upset but he has to follow his specialist’s advice and we certainly don’t want him reinjuring his shoulder and placing his 2015 season in jeopardy. It’s an important year for him in the Panthers Top 25 player list and we want him to have a big year.”

Meninga said the two players added will benefit enormously from being in camp with the squad and it’s an opportunity for the coaches to assess their attitude, fitness and discipline;
“After consulting with Michael in particular and the National Selectors we decided to bring in Kato and Henry. Michael was particularly impressed with Kato at the National Championships where he dominated. His sheer size, youth, attitude and athleticism are the attributes we are looking for in building a strong squad for 2017. It’s a big step up for him but we want to encourage the potential he has. Henry has been on the radar all year and has been watched closely by Michael and the national selectors. He is a good size, still young and very mobile for a prop forward so we are also keen for him to come into camp and see how he performs. Both players are young, have the attributes we are looking and will be at their peak in 2017.”
Meninga also added;
“Kato and Henry will still play in the All Stars curtain raiser if not in the run on side for the PM13, however they will most likely be rested in the second half and sit on the bench for the main game so we can give them a look at that level. This may also apply to any other players who stand out in the All Stars.
Meninga also pointed out the following in regards to selections;
“We have to look at realistically what we want to achieve and where we want to be in 3 years time. Do we pick and focus on players with youth and ability and build a side for 2017 or do we pick players who won’t be around for the next World Cup and take a potluck when 2017 comes around? Obviously we want to build a side and have concentrated on youth, attitude, talent and the type of players we want to represent the Nation. Its a similar process we went through with the QLD origin side where we went with a group of young guys, worked on youth development and we went on to win 8 out of the last 9 Origin series. There are a lot of similarities here and with the group of players also coming through the Development program who won the recent Commonwealth Championships we have a wealth of young talent ready to take that next step up over the next couple of years.”