Calendar to be ready: Marum

By PETER ESILA
COACH Michael Marum says the Kumuls’ 2021 international calendar will be finalised in the next three months as his men gear up for the Rugby League World Cup in England.
“As soon as everything is finalised in the next three months, we will release the calendar,” the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) high performance manager said.
“We have a lot of matches next year.
“We’re looking to have the Kumuls and PNG Orchids (national women’s team) play some trial matches leading up to the World Cup.”
Former SP Hunters boss Marum said that while running a coaching clinic for Hiri West Rugby League at Papa village outside Port Moresby on Saturday.
The World Cup will be held between Oct 23 and Nov 27, with the Kumuls in Pool D alongside Tonga, Wales and the Cook Islands.
The Kumuls and Orchids — who are in Pool A of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup alongside hosts England, Canada and Brazil — will be based in Warrington and Leeds respectively.
Meanwhile, Marum said it was now up to members of the Hunters squad — who will be based in Queensland for next season in the Intrust Super Cup — to earn selection for the World Cup.
“Hopefully, they start pre-season training soon so we know who is in the Hunters squad,” he said.
“They will need to prove that they are capable of stepping up for representative honours.
“For the Hunters’ relocation to Australia, I will leave that to the PNGRLF board, I am concentrating on the talents here.
“It’s obviously going to be expensive (to relocate the Hunters).
“It is also going to be a tough exercise for the team.”