Marum resigns

ONE of Papua New Guinea’s up-and-coming rugby league coaches, Michael Marum, has resigned as the head coach for NGIP Agmark Gurias.
Marum, a former Port Moresby Paga Panthers and Kokopo Panthers, confirmed yesterday with The National that he had step down due to work commitment.
He said he would be handing over the coaching job to other upcoming coaches.
Marum took over as coach after Jeff Wade stood down to join PNG Rugby Football League as the executive officer.
“I am currently with the boys in training camp preparing for the next season’s bemobile Cup  while a new coach is yet to be appointed.
“As soon as the new coach is appointed by the Gurias board, I will leave them and concentrate on my job,” Marum said.
“Since 2001, I have been a player/coach for the team and the last six years had been very challenging. It has also been exciting as the coach of the franchise club from the NGI region.
“It is now time to watch the game from the grand stands,” he said.
Marum is no stranger to the game having represented PNG in two World Cups and also captained the PNG Kumuls in the annual Prime Minister’s rugby league challenge between Australia.
From Matalau, East New Britain province, Marum has had a successful coaching career with the Gurias as player/coach to help the Gurias win four SP Cup/bemobile Cup titles.
Marum said the Gurias’ foundation had already been established and incoming coaches and managers would not face problems entering the office to run the show.
He said Agmark Gurias had achieved a lot under him, winning the premiership this year, and have made it to the finals on numerous occasions.
Marum admitted he had spent a lot of time for the Gurias and failed to put much effort into his work over the years.
He currently works with the NGIP Agmark Limited.