Date: 24/6/18
Papua New Guinea have put on their best first half of international rugby league in Campbelltown on Saturday afternoon blowing the Bati of the park in an upset 26-14.
It all happened in the first half with the Kumuls going into half time 26 – 4 on the back of tries to Rau (two), Page, and Olam with Martin having a perfect night with the boot slotting five from five.
The Kumuls intensity in the first half took the Fijian’s by surprise with the Bati only managing to cross via Tyrone Phillips from a set play on the back of a scum close to the Kumuls try line.
To Fiji’s credit the Bati did come out in the 2nd half and kept the Kumuls to zero while putting on two tries of their own via Montoya and Vunivalu with Moceidreke converting one from three for the night.
The PNG Hunters entry into the QLD Intrust Super Cup Competition has had a flow on effect lifting the quality of football being played by the Kumuls. This was evident last night and during their 2017 RLWC campaign. Eight of the seventeen players from Saturday nights Test match currently play for the Hunters.
With Fiji currently trying to enter their own team into the NSW Intrust Super Cup Competition this could be the way forward for all Pacific Nations and provide a clear pathway for Pacific Players into the NRL.
Papua New Guinea 26 (Rau 2, Page, Olam tries; Martin 5 goals)
Fiji 14 (Phillips, Montoya, Vunivalu tries; Moceidreke 1 goal)
Crowd: 17,802
