The final game of the men’s international rugby league triple-header ends with Papua New Guinea facing off against Fiji at Campbelltown Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7.50pm AEST.
During the lead up to this clash, PNG skipper David Mead has announced his retirement from international rugby league and this clash will be his 15th and final cap for Papua New Guinea. The Kumuls have plenty of experience and first grade experience in their backline, with Alex Johnston named at fullback, Justin Olam listed at centre and Lachlan Lam leading the attack at halfback. And that is their strength with the rest of their side predominantly coming from Queensland Cup teams. Thus, the onus falls onto the senior players such as Johnston, Olam and Mead to lead from the front and push the Fijian boys.
Fiji start favourites and looking at their side that has been named, it isn’t anything surprising. Skipper Kevin Naiqama will lead the Fiji Bati from five eighth, while fullback Sunia Turuva and centre Semi Valemei will make their international debuts. The forward pack is led by premiership winners Tui Kamikamica and Viliame Kikau and the onus falls on the duo to ensure Fiji dominates the Kumuls through the middle of the park. The bench in the Fijian side includes winger Isaac Lumelume and it’ll be interesting to see how he is utilised off the bench.
Prediction
Looking across the teams named 1-17 from both sides, Fiji start off as huge favourites. They have more first grade experience and seem to be a settled side over the past decade, including an upset against New Zealand in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup quarter finals. However, I would be a madman to underestimate the spirit of the PNG side, who will give it their all. However, Fiji should have too much in their arsenal and get over the line in Campbelltown.
Fiji by 6+
Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST
Venue: Campbelltown Stadium
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Nine Network
Odds: PNG $4.00, Fiji $1.25 – odds via PlayUp
Papua New Guinea
1. Alex Johnston, 2. Robert Derby, 3. David Mead,4. Justin Olam, 5. Terry Wapi, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Lachlan Lam, 8. Epel Kapinias, 9. Wartovo Puara, 10. Sylvester Namo, 11. Daniel Russell, 12. Nixon Putt, 13. Jacob Alick, 14. Liam Horne, 15. Emmanuel Waine, 16. McKenzie Yei, 17. Dilbert Issac
Fiji
1. Sunia Turuva, 2. Mikaele Ravalawa, 3. Semi Valemei, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Maika Sivo, 6. Kevin Naiqama, 7. Nautu’a Masima, 8. Joseph Ratu, 9. Penioni Tagituimua, 10. Tui Kamikamica, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Taniela Sadrugu, 13. Taane Milne, 14. Issac Lumelume, 15. Pio Seci, 16. Lamar Liolevave, 17. Kaylen Miller
mikail- eagle
Guest
James Segeyaro's father was also played for the Kumuls.
Ian_
Roar Rookie
Has the 6 again been put into the international rules? Or were these games played under NRL rules rather than the international ones?
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I thought this game was one of the best I have seen in ages
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Great game of footy hey. Glad you watched .
Renegade
Roar Guru
This weekend is one of the most passionate and raw rugby league weekends on the calendar. Club football can’t match this
Rob
Guest
What a refreshing press conference. Lots of praise for their players and respect for their opponents. Nothing about play the ball speed and 50/50 calls?
Nat
Roar Guru
Penrith banking him. Their entire backline is so young already and he ain't replacing Edwards anytime soon.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
It does, indeed, Jimmmy. It's not the way it's usually played though.
Nat
Roar Guru
Now, I've had a few. How's the line up at your old lady's door? Someone has to pay your rent boy and I got more than enough to keep you in the flats.
Rob
Guest
Lot of people are all about club football and anti Rep round but seriously I have really enjoyed this weekends game. Dare I say the way teams have played is something refreshing. The officials seem to have had little controversy? Maybe they didn’t have the pressure or outside influence on them? This is what rugby league should be about?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Maybe once in 80 min. Outstanding handling.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Loved the whole weekend Joe. Just need a certain team to win tomorrow and heaven.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Great and enjoyable game. Did either team drop the ball? Can't recall.
Nat
Roar Guru
Baaahahahahahahahahahahaha factys!! Of all games for you to jump in on you pick the PNG one! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Do your research boy! Massive swing and a miss AGAIN!!
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Simple game Stormy. Run hard , tackle hard. Goes a long, long way.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Beautiful ending with both teams together.
Eric
Guest
How many white Papaua New Guineans do we have tonight Nat? Remember the good old days when the players actually came from the countries they represent? As I've said before beggars can't be choosers when it comes to international Rugby League
Joe
Roar Rookie
Great game and good win by PNG. Underdogs but played with everything they had. Heard of Turuva before but first I've seen him play. Will be surprised if he doesn't get a starting 1 spot in the NRL next year. He is a bona fide star!
Nat
Roar Guru
Best game of the night. Well done PNG. Fiji certainly had some NRL names abut 80% of these guys play together every week so they had that advantage.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Laybutt, Lamb, Mead, Johnson and the whole PNG pack outstanding. What a game of footy we have had here . Fiji were great as well, but the Kumuls were unstoppable.