Derby a proud Kumul

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls winger Robert Derby says his Test debut against the Fiji Bati has been the best experience of his rugby league career so far.
The North Queensland Cowboys’ Young Gun told The National on Tuesday that his family was proud of his contribution to Saturday night’s stirring 24-14 win at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney.
“All my family members from PNG and Australia were very proud and emotional to see me wear the Kumuls jersey,” said Derby, whose mother is from Busamung, Morobe.
“It is probably the best experience that I’ve had so far in my rugby league career.
“I’m proud of the way our team played and it’s something I will never forget.”
The 20-year-old said it was tough to face Fiji’s National Rugby League stars in Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers), Waqa Blake and Maika Sivo (both Parramatta Eels) on the same edge.
“You never really want to give the opposition any credit in your head before the game,” Derby said.
“But it was hard not to when knowing how strong their left edge would be. But once you are in the game, you only think about getting your job done and I think that is what we all did.
“Our experience on that edge and Kyle’s (Laybutt) defensive efforts helped contain Sivo, Kikau and Blake.”
Derby said his next goal was to play consistent for the Cowboys’ feeder Hostplus Cup side, Northern Pride, and push for World Cup selection.
“This year’s World Cup is my biggest goal, but my immediate focus is to improve my performances each week in the Hostplus Cup,” he said.
“If I’m lucky enough to be selected again, I’ll definitely be raring to go as I’ve taken lots away from my first international game.”