Players given time off

By MELTON PAIS
THE PNG national squad will have an eight-day break and return to camp on Oct 16 to resume trainings for the international fixtures against the England Knights on Oct 27 and Nov 3.
Coach Michael Marum said he had given break to the players who were part of the Prime Minister’s 13 side to return to their homes and spend time with their families.
“Most of our Australian-based players have returned to their respective homes yesterday so as the PNG-based players,” Marum said.
Meanwhile, Marum said that he would add new players in the squad that would face the Knights on Oct 27.
“I might leave out one or two players and slot in new faces to 20-man squad,” he said.
“After analysing player’s capabilities in playing representative matches, I saw that one or two players still need to adjust and adapt to the representative level.
“I’ll make some changes to the 2018 PNG PM’s 13 side and add a few players who I think will perform according to expectation,” he said.
After the short preparation for the PM’s 13 game, Marum said they could not provide the result that was required from them.
“Learning from our mistakes, I will have to call in the boys earlier to have ample time to prepare for the match with the Knights.
“There will be 10 days of training in preparing for the match in Lae and second match will be six days later.”
The Knights, who are England’s development team, comprising Super League players are on a world tour and stop over in PNG to play the Kumuls in two internationals in Lae (Oct 27) and Port Moresby (Nov 3).