Tests on another level of rugby league, says Marum

By ROBINSON LEKA
PAPUA New Guinea LNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum yesterday pointed out that Tests were on the next level of rugby league, following their 24-6 loss to Samoa.
“It was tough night for us against Samoa, an experienced team,” he said of the Kumuls’ Oceania Cup opener at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Australia. “We didn’t win the ruck and Samoa had an experienced forward pack.
“But at the end of the day, it was really good to see some of our young players get a feel of Test football.
“I thought some of our experienced forwards didn’t play as expected, so that’s something we have to look at.”
Marum also highlighted issues in the Kumuls backline with Queensland Intrust Super Cup fullback Edene Gabbie struggling to find composure in the match.
“He’s an outstanding player in the Q-Cup but not yet in Test football,” he said.
“He struggled with the high kicks and the performance he gave was below par.”
However, Marum was impressed with Kumuls debutant Terry Wapi’s performance on Saturday.
“He came through the past four games (with the PNG Hunters),” he said.
“He played really well so his form just continued in that game.”
Marum was also happy with the performances of young debutant centres Xavier Coates and Bernard Lewis.
Meanwhile, Marum says the Kumuls coaching staff will be monitoring the player performances throughout the year to pick a squad to face Fiji in their next match in November.
He said the squad would likely see inclusion Europe-based players such as David Mead (Catalans Dragons) and Wellington Albert (Leeds Rhinos).