PM’s 13, Oceania tourney cancelled

Kumuls, Orchids suffer setback to preparations for World Cup

PAPUA New Guinea’s preparations for next year’s Rugby League World Cup have suffered a setback after the cancellation of the Oceania Cup and the Prime Minister’s 13 clash with Australia.
The cancellations were due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving the Kumuls (men) and Orchids (women) with a less-than-ideal lead-up to the showpiece event in England.
However, it is understood that the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football (PNGRFL) will devise a programme for the national teams to undergo between late 2020 and early next year.
Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation chairman Sandis Tsaka, who is also the PNGRFL chairman, said: “The Oceania Cup is a wonderful tournament that offers a meaningful structure for Pacific test matches in a fair and competitive environment.
“It is extremely disappointing to have been forced to cancel this year’s tournament, as there was great excitement among our member nations about the fixtures in June and November.
“But unfortunately, current restrictions and uncertainties have made it impossible to follow any other path.”
Six men’s teams (Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, PNG, Samoa and Tonga) and four women’s sides (Fiji, PNG, New Zealand and Samoa) were to have featured in this year’s Oceania Cup.
Kumuls head coach Michael Marum told The National yesterday that he was disappointed as he had planned on using the Oceania Cup and the clash, which is traditionally played in Port Moresby, to trial players and work on combinations against quality opposition.
“For now, I am not sure what’s next but I believe the chairman (Tsaka) and PNGRFL will let us know,” the former SP Hunters coach said.
“It’s disappointing news but there’s nothing we can do.
“It’s now time to re-set and plan for next year. The good thing is that our players in Australia’s National Rugby League and the English Super League will still be playing next year.
“I’m confident they’ll maintain their form heading into the World Cup. I am also hoping that the Queensland Intrust Super Cup season begins next year and the SP Hunters continue to participate in the competition because it’ll be crucial for our players.”