Aiton aims at French Achillies

 PAPUA New Guinea’s former captain Paul Aiton, 28, says the Kumuls are strong chances of starting their 2013 Rugby League World Cup on a winning note.

The Kumuls play France in their opening Group B fixture at Craven Park in Hull on October 27.

Aiton, who plays for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the English Super League, said the French are another big side but can be beaten.

“I’ve had a bit of experience playing against them (France) over there. They’re big and tough but we’re a lot more mobile than they are and we can match them in the forwards,” Aiton said. 

Aiton , who is part Nebilyer in the Western Highlands, backed his pack to perform against whatever opposition at the World Cup.

“We’ve got some young kids in our frontrow and they’ll be joined by Channy (Jason Chan) over there so our mobility will probably be the difference against the French.”

Aiton said he was impressed with the level of fitness that his PNG-based teammates had displyed at training.

“Our fitness has been a lot higher than its ever been.

“But one thing that we need to do a lot more of is to talk. We need more talkers in the side to fire up the boys.”

Aiton added that the cool temperatures would also suit the PNG players.