Kumuls wary of forwards

Martin wants PNG to contain Lions prop Burgess, company

CAPTAIN Rhyse Martin says the Kumuls are wary of the Great Britain forward pack heading into tomorrow’s test at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby (5.30pm kick-off).
“They are quite a huge team with big bodies and are physical as well,” Martin said at the Stanley Hotel and Suites yesterday.
“But for us, ball possession will be key. It will be tough with the humidity of Port Moresby but whoever gets a lot ball, will go a long way to win the game.”
The Leeds forward, who will captain the Kumuls for the first time on home soil, said his side lacked consistency which cost them the match against the Fiji Bati in Christchurch, New Zealand, last Saturday.
“What saved us was our energy and the willingness to turn up for one another but sometimes you can’t rely on that,” he said.
“We definitely have to be better in controlling the ball and finishing our sets.
“If you’re defending back-to-back sets then you will burn out in the heat here so we have to improve on that.”
The former Canterbury Bulldogs, who will play his 11th test, said the energy of the home crowd would also be a boost for his side.
“It has been 12 months since we last played at home (against the England Knights) and we are really excited about this game.
“We know how much energy this crowd brings every time we play here. To run out in front of our fans and play for our country is exciting.
“Alex (Johnston) and Daniel Russell, who debuted last week, haven’t played in front of a sold-out crowd here.
“I want them to get that feeling and know what it’s like to play in from of our fans.”