The Papua New Guinea Kumuls claimed a decisive 42-20 victory over the Cook Islands in a thrilling Pacific Rugby League International match held at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, November 3, 2024. An enthusiastic crowd of over 11,000 fans witnessed the Kumuls’ dynamic second-half performance, which not only sealed their victory but also allowed them to retain the Pacific Bowl.
The Kumuls dominated with eight tries, reflecting their powerful offense and determination to secure a win on home ground. Elijah Roltinga put PNG on the scoreboard with a try in the fifth minute, but the Cook Islands responded swiftly, maintaining a close contest in the early stages of the game.
The Kumuls dominated with eight tries, reflecting their powerful offense and determination to secure a win on home ground. Elijah Roltinga put PNG on the scoreboard with a try in the fifth minute, but the Cook Islands responded swiftly, maintaining a close contest in the early stages of the game.
Despite PNG’s early lead, the Cook Islands took charge with tries from Davvy Moale in the eighth minute and Steven Marsters in the 27th minute, while Marsters added a penalty goal at the 17-minute mark. This gave the Cook Islands a 14-4 lead, briefly dampening the spirits of PNG fans.
The Kumuls rallied before halftime, regaining momentum with a try from Nene Macdonald in the 31st minute, followed by another from Lachlan Lam just four minutes later. With two conversions by Kyle Laybutt, PNG edged ahead 16-14 as the first half concluded, building momentum for an assertive second-half display.
After the break, the Kumuls displayed impressive teamwork and tenacity. Robert Derby crossed the line in the 42nd minute, and Sylvester Namo added another try in the 46th minute. Laybutt’s precise conversions extended PNG’s lead to 26-14, adding pressure on the Cook Islands.
Roltinga continued his standout performance, scoring his second try in the 49th minute to solidify PNG’s control of the game. Nene Macdonald followed with another try in the 57th minute, further increasing the gap as Laybutt converted once again, making it challenging for the Cook Islands to close the deficit.
The Cook Islands responded with a try by Esom Ioka in the 71st minute, and Marsters’ conversion brought the score to 36-20. However, PNG’s lead remained firm as they held possession and executed strong defensive plays.
Morea Morea capped off the Kumuls' victory with a final try in the 79th minute, sealing a 42-20 triumph. Fans erupted in celebration of PNG’s skilled performance on both ends of the field, as Laybutt’s five conversions proved crucial to maintaining and expanding their lead.
This win not only preserved the Pacific Bowl for Papua New Guinea but also secured the Kumuls a spot in an upcoming tier-one promotion match against the New Zealand Kiwis. The game is set for Sunday, November 10, 2024, at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, offering the Kumuls an opportunity to elevate their status on the international rugby league stage.
The Kumuls’ retention of the Pacific Bowl and their scheduled face-off with the Kiwis highlight their rising stature in Pacific rugby. This victory serves as a morale boost for the team and as a source of pride for their dedicated supporters as PNG looks ahead to their next challenge, striving for a place in the upper echelon of international rugby.
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The Kumuls rallied before halftime, regaining momentum with a try from Nene Macdonald in the 31st minute, followed by another from Lachlan Lam just four minutes later. With two conversions by Kyle Laybutt, PNG edged ahead 16-14 as the first half concluded, building momentum for an assertive second-half display.
After the break, the Kumuls displayed impressive teamwork and tenacity. Robert Derby crossed the line in the 42nd minute, and Sylvester Namo added another try in the 46th minute. Laybutt’s precise conversions extended PNG’s lead to 26-14, adding pressure on the Cook Islands.
Roltinga continued his standout performance, scoring his second try in the 49th minute to solidify PNG’s control of the game. Nene Macdonald followed with another try in the 57th minute, further increasing the gap as Laybutt converted once again, making it challenging for the Cook Islands to close the deficit.
The Cook Islands responded with a try by Esom Ioka in the 71st minute, and Marsters’ conversion brought the score to 36-20. However, PNG’s lead remained firm as they held possession and executed strong defensive plays.
Morea Morea capped off the Kumuls' victory with a final try in the 79th minute, sealing a 42-20 triumph. Fans erupted in celebration of PNG’s skilled performance on both ends of the field, as Laybutt’s five conversions proved crucial to maintaining and expanding their lead.
This win not only preserved the Pacific Bowl for Papua New Guinea but also secured the Kumuls a spot in an upcoming tier-one promotion match against the New Zealand Kiwis. The game is set for Sunday, November 10, 2024, at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, offering the Kumuls an opportunity to elevate their status on the international rugby league stage.
The Kumuls’ retention of the Pacific Bowl and their scheduled face-off with the Kiwis highlight their rising stature in Pacific rugby. This victory serves as a morale boost for the team and as a source of pride for their dedicated supporters as PNG looks ahead to their next challenge, striving for a place in the upper echelon of international rugby.
Also read