Kumuls, Orchids prepare for tests

Hello there to all our rugby league families and friends back home in Papua New Guinea and abroad. Welcome to the 31st edition of Coach’s Corner in your favourite rugby league newspaper — The National.
Last weekend’s inaugural Rugby League World Cup Nines in Sydney, Australia, saw our Kumuls just miss out on a semifinal spot when we went down to New Zealand by a point.
However, whichever way you saw it, there is not much we can do about the final score.
I am proud of the effort put in by both the PNG LNG Kumuls and Oil Search PNG Orchids. Despite the results, they did us all proud.
I would like to say a very big thanks on behalf of the both teams and the coaching staff to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for gracing us with his presence to present the jerseys the Kumuls and Orchids.
Sir Michael was in Sydney with Lady Veronica seeking further medical assistance. Lady Veronica, we extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Announced yesterday was the 20-man Kumuls squad for the upcoming Oceania Cup Pacific Test second leg Pool-B match against Fiji to be played in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Nov 9 and the Test against the touring British Lions in Port Moresby the following week on Nov 16.
I must thank the selectors for the healthy debates we had in selecting the squad. It is never easy.
All I can say with confidence is that we are slowly but surely building a Kumuls squad 24 months out of the next World Cup in 2021 in England.
We may have more tests to play next year. If that is the case, it only puts us in a good position to test ourselves at the international level.
The Orchids squad for their two-test series against a touring England women’s side will be announced.
The women’s game is rapidly growing with local and overseas-based players being considered.
We are building towards the 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup also in England.
I join the PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka in congratulating those affiliated leagues that have completed their grand finals.
The premiers of each leagues play against each other in elimination rounds to determine a confederate champion who will represent their region at the national club championships. The finals are scheduled for Nov 17 in Lae.
Good luck to those teams in the eliminations. Each premier club from each league have their own supporters but let’s join them and cheer them on as they represent our league.
Good results so far from our PNG Barramundis in their T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai. The PNG Pepes in Singapore Four Nations are producing mixed results.
I said in last week’s column that each athlete worked hard to wear the red black and gold.
Play with pride and passion with the country behind you. Give it your best at all times.
Until next week, play hard, safe and by the rules in whatever sport you are competing in.
And if you are a spectator or supporter, remember that there is no room for violence in any sport and community.

Cheers,
Mikz