Kumul Camp focused on educating players

 By JACK AMI

THE Kumuls Camp 3 began at the Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby, yesterday with a mixture of regular Kumuls and newcomers.

One player Lae Tigers Mogi Wei Jr, who was suspended for eight weeks for his part in an all-in brawl in the Digicel Cup Round 8 clash with the Gulf Isapea, has been included in the 22-man camp under coach Adrian Lam and director Mal Meninga.

Mogi, a rugged front-rower, has caught the eye of national selectors with his efforts during the first eight weeks of the Digicel Cup.

The Queensland coach said yesterday that Mogi was included as he is a player with potential which theKumul staff had identified on his cup form.

“We believe that a potential Kumul should not be denied the right to train in the camp, after all the camp is very educational,” Meninga said.

He said this was part of training and education in preparation for the World Cup and players whether established or new faces would benefit greatly form the experience. 

Players will be tested on their fitness levels and compared to the two previous camps in Lae and Goroka.

“The camp is all educational, on knowledge and mentality based on the fundamentals and similar to camps like Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.”

Meninga said the camps also aimed at developing mental preparation for players to handle the pressure and execute game plans.

Meninga said the World Cup preparation with the backing of the Government and corporate sector would ensure that the Kumul squad would be properly prepared.

“We have a five year programme to do well and be competitive at that level but it’s up to the players,” the Origin great said.

Meninga is hoping that in five years  the Kumuls will be able to attain consistency against top level opposotion and once again be a fully-fledged test nation.

The camp continues today with a morning and afternoon session.