Kumuls legend Patiliu passes on in Rabaul

THE Papua New Guinea Rigby Football League (PNGRFL) and the rugby league family, especially from Malaguna, Rabaul, East New Britain, are mourning the death of Kumuls legend Harrison Patiliu.
Patiliu, aged 66, died at his Malaguna No.1 village in Rabaul on Monday after a long illness.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said Patiliu was Kumul No.10 and played in PNG’s first Test match against England in Port Moresby on July 6, 1975.
“Patiliu debuted in that game captained by Paul Chue alongside fellow Islanders Billy Wartovo, Robin Guere, Henry Kavanamur and the likes of Rod Pearce, Vai Karava, Elijah Emori, late Tara Gau and late Lohia Daroa,” he said.
“He began his rugby league career in 1973 with Rabaul Crusaders while a student at Malaguna Technical School.”
In 1974, Patiliu transferred to Port Moresby to study at Idubada Technical College, now Port Moresby Technical College, and joined Hanuabada Hawks.
“That year, he represented Southern Zone to play against Highlands Zone in Goroka,” Tsaka said.
He continued playing with the Hawks in 1975 and was instrumental in winning the Port Moresby Rugby Football League premiership that year.