Marum praises retiring Baptiste

KUMULS coach Michael Marum has hailed retiring hooker Kurt Baptiste as a player who has literally put his body on the line for Papua New Guinea.
The former SP Hunters mentor, who oversaw the former Sydney Rooster and Canberra Raider in his seven Tests for PNG, told The National that the Kumuls would miss his services.
“Baptiste has been a great servant of Papua New Guinea because he always put his body on the line in every game he plays for the Kumuls,” Marum said.
“He sacrificed a lot for PNG, he got injured on numerous occasions while playing for the country.
“I always think back to the 2019 Pacific Test against Samoa at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney where Kurt sustained a serious injury that affected his National Rugby League career. He really sacrificed his career just for PNG and I am proud of him.”
Marum said the Kumul No.278 deserved a break.
“He is definitely a class player, but injuries have disrupted his career many times,” he said.
“For a skilful player to experience such misfortunate is just sad.
“But, I believe he felt that his body really needed a rest and he made a wise choice.”
Baptiste has family ties in Samarai, Milne Bay, which made eligible for PNG.
The 31-year-old made his Kumuls’ debut in the historic Test victory against Fiji in Sydney in 2016.
The 24 22 win against the Batis was the Kumuls’ first win on foreign soil in 16 years and Baptiste played key role in the victory.