PNG Cup campaign starts - not ends - in tears

Cynics thought PNG’s Rugby League World Cup campaign would end in tears. However, there have been plenty at the start of the tournament - much to coach Adrian Lam’s satisfaction.

Even ex-Brisbane hardman Gorden Tallis was in awe of the Kumuls’ passion for the game after some PNG players became teary eyed just walking out onto the Gold Coast’s Skilled Park.

And it’s a rare passion that has Lam confident PNG can stand up to “bully” New Zealand in their World Cup clash at there tomorrow night.

“They said they found it humbling to walk out on the same field (Skilled Park) as Scott Prince, things that as a player you take for granted here,” Tallis told AAP today.

“I was at an NRL promotion with Gilly (Trevor Gillmeister) and one of the PNG boys said meeting us was the greatest experience of his life - it was very humbling, very emotional to hear that.

“These guys aren’t doing it for money because most have none. This is do or die for them.

“They will be national heroes just for taking part in the World Cup.

“If they win, Adrian Lam will be the next PNG Prime Minister.”

Almost half of the Kumuls’ 24-strong Cup squad are from their competition, ensuring some new challenges for NRL veteran Lam.

“Some of them don’t speak English, some can’t read or write, some have never travelled overseas,” Lam said.

“It’s an experience for them. They are enjoying their time but they know they have a job to do.”

Suffice to say the PNG-based contingent have been in awe of their surrounds at their Gold Coast base this week.

But the glitz and glamour of the tourist strip came in a distant second to their meeting with former Melbourne Storm star and PNG “God” Marcus Bai this week.

Once again there were tears of joy in the camp after Bai introduced himself at training.

“We welcomed him with open arms. Some of the players look at him as a God. But he’s more the shape of a backrower as opposed to a winger these days,” Lam laughed.

They have plenty of passion but Lam reckons his team still have to work hard for something they hold just as dearly - the opposition’s respect.

PNG took giant strides toward that with their 10-point opening loss to England.

But their biggest test will be against a Kiwi team desperate to bounce back from their 30-6 thumping at the hands of Australia.

“We felt we didn’t have respect from a lot of countries, probably deservedly so - we don’t play enough internationals year in and year out,” Lam said.

“We won a few hearts (against England), but we’ve got to back it up against New Zealand.

“They will try and bully PNG. They are obviously disappointed with their last result and a few individuals will be under the pump.

“I can see them trying to take it out on PNG. We will try and keep our composure, and hope the bounce of the ball and referee’s calls go our way.”

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