Young PNG stars playing for futures

Hot favourites New Zealand will have to combat Papua New Guinea’s thirst for a headline-grabbing World Cup upset that could launch the NRL careers of a some of their young players on Saturday.

The Kiwis are expected to win the match at Skilled Park and should given their high world ranking.

But as England discovered a week ago, the exuberance, flair and desire of the Kumuls cannot be taken lightly.

PNG coach Adrian Lam has whipped his players into a mindset of self belief which, mixed with their natural talent, helped produce a narrow first-up loss to England.

Lam has convinced his players, many with little or no international experience, they can compete with the big boys.

He has told them they have a wonderful opportunity to do what veteran Stanley Gene did in 1995 when he caught the eye of English talent scouts in the same tournament.

Lam said players like Brisbane Norths flyer George Kepa, young Gold Coast Titan David Moore and utility-hooker Charlie Wabo all had NRL appeal.

“I had Kepa last year and as a player I can tell you he has matured three-fold,” said Lam.

“There’s a couple from last year who’ve really come on who haven’t played NRL or Super League who are standing up to opposition so much more experienced.

“Just about all our players are in the shop window.

“Some of them could possibly make a future out of the first, second and third matches.”

Lam said while PNG players had varying personalities they all shared one common goal.

“A player like George (Kepa) is playing for a future in rugby league somewhere,” said Lam.
“PNG have established an identification program to bring young players to Australia.

“The North Queensland Cowboys, which is more like home for them, is an ideal set-up for that.”

New Zealand, who struggled to match the intensity of Australia in their 30-6 opening loss, will want to bounce back against PNG, who played with surprising composure against England.

Kiwi forward Greg Eastwood, who is joining Super League champion Leeds after the World Cup, said New Zealand respected PNG but were determined to hit back after a disappointing game.

“It (30-6 loss) was definitely disappointing, but all the boys are over it now,” said the 21 year-old who scored 15 tries in 62 games for the Broncos.

“We gave our all and tackled our hearts out against the Aussies but we gave them too much possession with penalties and errors.

“Our defence kept turning up inside and outside, the boys were very committed.”

Eastwood was impressed with PNG’s first-up showing and their ability to stay with their structure.

“I was impressed and their big front-rower has been in the newspapers already saying he is going to give us our money’s worth and he looks like a machine,” said Eastwood.

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