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A team in the Queensland Cup, a realistic goal of a World Cup quarter-final and maybe one day an NRL team. The future is bright for Papua New Guinean rugby league.
This footy-mad nation received a massive boost recently with the news that a PNG team is set to join the Queensland Cup next year.
This could be a pivotal step to eventually having its own NRL side.
Rugby league is way of life in the country and PNG has long produced an array of talented players.
One of its best, former Rooster and Maroon Adrian Lam, is now in charge of the Kumuls and is being assisted by Mal Meninga.
At this World Cup the Kumuls will sadly be without James Segeyaro, the exciting livewire forward who has been lighting up the NRL this year with Penrith because of an injury, but they still have enough stars to cause damage.
Lam told me he is eyeing a quarter-final spot and to match PNG’s best finish at a World Cup, which was in 2000.
From Marcus Bai to Stanley Gene, PNG players have long been favourites in the NRL and Super League. The same can be said today.
David Mead has impressed with try-scoring feats at the Titans, Ray Thompson was key member of the Cowboys, Paul Aiton has thrilled Super League crowds and Menzie Yere is a fan favourite at Sheffield.
Yere may not be known by many Aussie league fans but the no-necked winger or centre is a try-scoring machine with one of the meanest fends in the sport.
He scored a crucial try in the Sheffield Eagles’ grand final win in the English Championship, the level below Super League, this year and racked up 46 tries in total this season to lead the league.
Then there is the likes of Enoch Maki and Josiah Abavu, who are emerging talents to keep an eye on.
The Kumuls have an array of locally based players, more than some of the other small World Cup nations, which is great because many will get the chance to show their wares in front of the world.
Expect several to be picked up Super League and NRL clubs after the tournament.
A Queensland Cup first-grade side, along with with the entry of Under-16 and Under-18 PNG teams, will provide a vital pathway for PNG youngsters.
After the NRL the Queensland Cup is the best rugby league competition in Australia. More players will get exposure and the chance to play professional rugby league.
It should enliven the game in the country and ensure the talent supply is effectively tapped.
The Kumuls have been pooled with New Zealand, Samoa and France. It’s a difficult pool but one that they can progress from. The Kiwis may be a bridge too far but Samoa and France are definitely beatable.
The French recently loss to the USA and Samoa were pumped by the England Knights, effectively England’s ‘B’ team. Contrastingly, PNG defeated Scotland 38-20 in their warm-up match.
Winning just one game could see the Kumuls in the quarters, but don’t be surprised if the boys from PNG win another or even manage a semi-final spot.
They are a united team that plays with a lot of pride and passion, and stranger things have happened. This is their chance to make a real statement.
Things are looking up for the Pacific nation in the greatest game of all.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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