Knights chasing clean sweep

By MELTON PAIS
ENGLAND Knights Paul Anderson is expecting a fired up PNG LNG Kumuls outfit in their second clash in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Anderson said he would field a fit side intent on wrapping up the two-game series in front of a packed Oil Search National Football.
Speaking at a media conference yesterday, Anderson said he was pleased that the team had shown good form in their gutsy 16-12 over the hosts in Lae but was no illusions as to what his side would face in the second fixture.
“We are fully aware that Kumuls are going to improve from their mistakes and make a great comeback,” Anderson said.
“For my boys, we will stand tall and maintain our standard regardless the boiling temperature in Port Moresby,” the 47-year-old former Great Britain and England forward said.
“The target now is to compete and compete harder this time and let the results speak for itself.”
Anderson said touring Papua New Guinea was part of English rugby league’s plan to prepare its next line of talent for the 2021 World Cup.
“We would also like to take part in more of the tournaments over the next few years not only in PNG but also with other Pacific Island countries to get more experience playing sides from this part of the world.
“These are our good lead up games in preparation for the World Cup in 2021.
“Experiencing the various training conditions, playing environments is our main objective to improve our players’ stamina.
“I have players ranging in age from 19 to 26 years and they’re young and talented. We are here for them to get the exposure that they need.”
Anderson said he was expecting his pack led by Warrington Wolves back-rower Jack Hughes to lay a platform for halves Declan Patton and Chris Atkin to unleash the backline which included burly winger Tom Lineham.
Anderson said Kumuls coach Michael Marum was a “great” coach and he expected him to have his men mentally and physically ready for the challenge.
“We’ll control our ball, complete our sets, and take every opportunity,” Anderson said.
“We’re confident we have the quality of player to compete well and get the result we want on the weekend,” he added
Knights captain Hughes said preparations had gone well and his side were looking forward to Saturday’s game.
“It was very competitive last weekend and we are certainly expecting another tough match this week,” Hughes said.