PNG move past Fiji

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Kumuls have leapfrogged Fiji into fifth spot on the International Rugby League world rankings with the Batis dropping to sixth ahead of next year’s World Cup in England.
World champions Australia dropped from second to fourth, due to coronavirus impacted last two international seasons, while England and Tonga improved to second and third as New Zealand retained top spot, according to the latest rankings.
Kumuls coach Michael Marum told The National on Tuesday that the announcement was a welcome news for his side leading up to the showpiece event.
But he warned that the rankings should not be a distraction to his side.
“Obviously, it’s great news when your improving in the world rankings,” former SP Hunters coach Marum said.
“But the thing is, we have never played a game since the 2019 Test match against the visiting British Lions at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
“While we celebrate this achievement, it should not lure us into a false sense of security.
“Regardless of the rankings, we need to compete hard in the World Cup and win games. We can’t afford to be complacent. We need to stay focused and work harder to improve in all aspects of our game.”
Marum said it would be a huge task to select the strongest squad, given the recent form of many domestic and international players who were in the frame for representative duties.
“Since the historic win over the Lions, some of the players in that squad have been struggling with injuries, which has affected their form,” he said.
“One of our veterans, Luke Page, has retired, so it will most likely not be the same side in the World Cup.
“We’re going through another transition, so it’s a challenge that we must overcome.”
Meanwhile, the national women’s team, the Orchids, are ranked fourth in the world, behind England, New Zealand and ladder-leading Australia.