Date: 19/9/13
Players and Coaches for the Team Kumul Red vs. Gold match arrive into camp at the Gateway Hotel today in preparation for the important match at Lloyd Robson Oval this Sunday 22nd September.
PNGRFL Interim CEO Brad Tassell said there was a lot of excitement and anticipation around the city ahead of the game;
“We are seeing more people wanting to buy their Team Kumul gear and the phone has started ringing of the hook about information on tickets so we are expecting a big crowd on Sunday. Everyone has their opinion on who should or should not be in the side and there will be some interesting match ups. Sundays match will go a long way to determining the bulk of players to be selected so its important the players don’t hold anything back. It’s a great position to be in with players competing for spots all around the park, largely because of the Team Kumul program implemented this year by the PNGRFL.â€
Head Coach Adrian Lam confirmed coaches Michael Marum and Nigel Hakula will take charge of the teams;
“It’s important for Michael and particularly Nigel to be given the opportunity to take control of the sides and continue to learn and evolve as coaches under the program. It’s a chance to see them under pressure at that level so that Mal and I can monitor their progress and continue to assist in their development. It also allows us to watch players from both sides perform on Sunday.â€
Tassell said the National Selectors and Head Coach Adrian Lam will have a tough job after the match finalizing the PM13 team to take on the Kangaroos;
“There is a lot of depth this year and the National Selectors and Adrian will also be taking into account the players unavailable for the trial who may be available for the PM13 match. The Australian Kangaroos have named an exceptionally strong side with 9 test players and Team Kumul will also name the strongest side possible to take on the Aussies in Kokopo. The selectors will sit down with Adrian on Sunday evening to select the PM13 squad which will then be presented to the PNGRFL Board and PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to announce on Monday.â€
Tassell also confirmed the referee appointed for the match by the PNGRFL is Wayne Wool, who also took control of the Digicel Cup Grand Final this year.
Apart from training, Team Kumul players and coaches will also make a special appearance at Trophy Haus, Vision City this Saturday morning from 10am to 11am to officially launch sales of Team Kumul gear ahead of the World Cup. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the players and coaches and have their gear personally signed by the players.
A full schedule of Team Kumul training and activities can be provided for the media by contacting Matt Natusch on +675 72669124.
Tickets for the match this Sunday will be sold from 9am on game day at Lloyd Robson Oval Sunday 22nd September with prices set at:
Outer stands Adult @ K20 Outer Stand Child @ K10
Main Grandstand Adult @ K100, Child @ K50
Gates open at 10am with PRL lead up finals matches ahead of the 3pm Team Kumul Gold vs. Team Kumul Red.
Team Kumul RED
1. Adex Wera
2. Gary Loh
3. Francis Paniu
4. Willie Minoga
5. George Benson
6. Roger Laka
7. Noel Zemming
8. Esau Siune
9. Wartovo Paura Jr
10. Petero Sunivalu
11. Sebastian Pandia
12. Larsen Marabe
13. Paul Aiton
14. Lawrence Tu’u
15. Elijah Riyong
16. Bernard Tatsim
17. Adam Korave
Coach: Nigel Hakula
Team Kumul GOLD
1. Josiah Abavu
2. Thompson Teteh
3. Jason Tali
4. Israel Eliab
5. Tiger Emery
6. Jessie-Joe Nandye
7. Ase Boas
8. Joe Bruno
9. Charlie Wabo
10. Enoch Maki
11. Richard Kambo
12. Dion Aiye
13. David Loko
14. Mogi Wei
15. Wellington Albert
16. James Segeyaro
17. Gonzela Urakusie
Coach: Michael Marum
Players unavailable:
David Mead (injured) Tyson Martin (finals) Nene Macdonald (finals) Ray Thompson (injured) Jason Chan (finals) Neville Costigan (finals) Menze Yere (finals) Rhys Martin (finals) Mark Mexico (injured)
