Marum hopeful

By PARKER TAMBUA
NATIONAL coaching director Michael Marum says he is looking forward to continue delivering his programmes across the country when the Government lifts the State of Emergency.
Marum, who is also the Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach, told The National yesterday that his programmes had already covered East New Britain, West New Britain and East Sepik.
He said his programmes would be made easier if competitions throughout the country were in progress.
“Travel restrictions and the suspension of competitions has made it impossible to run the programmes,” Marum said.
“But as soon as the situation improves, we are looking at taking a different approach with Covid-19 already in the country.
“I hope that local competitions resume or kick off because that will make it easier for me to engage coaches and trainers when I run the clinics.
“In terms of funding, we know the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is facing tough challenges to retain the support of sponsors but I’m hopeful that we can find a way to maintain the programmes.”
Marum said there were plans in place on the kind of approach the programmes would take.
He said PNGRFL would have a meeting next month to discuss a way forward.
Meanwhile, Marum said the end-of-year test fixtures for the Kumuls against Samoa and the Cook Islands were still on target.
But he said PNGRFL was still waiting for the International Rugby League and Asia-Pacific Rugby League to confirm whether the tournament would go ahead as scheduled.