By GABABRIELKATUHO
FOLLOWING their 46-6 deafeat to Toa Samoa in Port Moresby last weekend, the PNG Kumuls have shifted their focus to tonight’s Rugby League World Cup Round Three clash against England at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Australia.
The Kumuls have regrouped and are preparing for a crucial encounter, with head coach Jason Demetriou making several changes to the side ahead of the match.
“Every week is unique, and this game is something we will consider as we look to improve. Ultimately, it’s about getting the players ready and ensuring our preparation is right,” Demetriou said.
Demetriou said Kumuls performance was a break down in several forwards succumbed to injuries making it a hard run for the home side.
The absence of Luka Moreti, Nene McDonald and Sylvester Namo were heavily felt in the game, however, coach Demetriou acknowledged the players for the effort they put in the first 40 minutes where PNG held Samoa to a 6-14 score at half time.
“We were courageous, we were physical, we went after the contest, ultimately in the modern game, if you don’t control the ball, if you not disciplined then you are going to find yourself under the pump and you know we are not talking about just another NRL players we are playing against,” he said.
“We are playing against some of the best of the best Origin Players, grand final players, premiership winners,” he added.
Demetriou said Kumuls are not different this week, they need to be disciplined, respect the ball.
Coach Demetriou said he is confident with his forward pack after Luka Moretti and Nene McDonald made their return, Rhyse Martin maintains his spot while Jacob Taulani to make his debut with Josh Feledy.
“I think Luka Moretti coming back in will step up, I think getting Rhyse Martin back out there in his final game and Nene again might not be in the forwards but had a big body and does a lot of work for us in the middle of the field which helps our forwards front load their energy in the defense,” he said.
“I’m really excited for Jacob Taulani to come into the side as well, I want to see Jacob’s strength in defense and his got really good athleticism in terms of his movement and his control on the ground,” Demetriou said.