Playing NRL club will allow us to assess our standard
Then National, Tuesday 11th September, 2012
I REFER to Derrick Nagul’s letter about the Kumuls playing against the Rabbitohs (Sept 3).
On record, 99% of games against Australia or New Zealand end in us losing by “cricket scores”.
My point is, before we rush back onto the field only to find ourselves devoured once again by the Australians and Kiwis, let us try and assess our strengths and weaknesses.
Are our current styles, fitness and skills enough to match these big teams on an international level?
A good way to find out is to play with an NRL club
as their standard is on par with international test matches.
If the Kumuls lose by a cricket score, it means we have a long way to go and should not be complacent with our current level.
That would be something for the coach and the PNGRL authorities to think about and work on.
On the other hand, if the Kumuls can beat some of the top NRL clubs, it would be a good sign and a motivation for us.
The idea of pride and nationalistic ideals that the Kumuls cannot play an NRL club is nonsense and comes from people who do not want them to improve.
I commend the Kumuls’ initiative for playing the Rabbitohs because it is good preparation for the World Cup.
I suggest the Kumuls’ five-eighth, half back and centres be comprised of Rabaul Gurias players as an attempt to move away from the old-fashioned football, which is still prevalent even during era.
Benjamin Kamil
Port Moresby