The eye-catching NRL auditions in PNG’s dominant win
Scott Bailey |
Papua New Guinea have unleashed a point-scoring spree on Fiji to retain the Pacific Bowl and celebrate a milestone day in their nation’s journey to the NRL.
In an utter domination in Port Moseby, PNG’s national side posted a half-century against a Pacific rival for the first time in 16 years with a 50-18 win over the Bati.
The victory came as Saturday marked exactly one year to the day from when PNG’s historic NRL franchise, the Chiefs, can start negotiating with contracted talent for their 2028 entry.
To build a roster capable of competing, Chiefs officials are going to need to sign the bulk of their talent from rival clubs.
Alex Johnston will be a target, already given an exemption by South Sydney to begin negotiating with the Chiefs and become their first signing.
Nene Macdonald could also eye a comeback to the NRL, starring on Saturday with a try and two assists for the Kumuls.
But this was a victory that also showed the green shoots of talent already emerging through the PNG system.
Of the PNG Kumuls’ side on Saturday, 12 were under the age 30 while eight were 25 or younger.
Eye-catching five-eighth Gairo Voro has been one of the stories of this post-season, and he was again electric against Fiji.
The 22-year-old was in everything and his speed was on show when he picked up a loose ball, created space and sent Macdonald over for his try in the first half.
Gold Coast teenager Cooper Bai also crossed once when he charged through defenders from close to the line, while 24-year-old fullback Morea Morea also turned heads.
Hooker Edwin Ipape, aged 26, was another PNG player who looked impressive in the win over Fiji.
A dummy-half for Leigh in the Super League, he threw a flick pass in the lead up to Macdonald’s try, hit Bai on the chest for his and then scored one of his own.
So good were PNG early, they led 24-0 after 21 minutes and barely gave Fiji a look in.
By that point, the Bati had already lost their best forward in Melbourne’s Tui Kamikamica to a concussion after 13 minutes.
Fiji were finally able to get on the board when Taane Milne put Kitione Kautoga over, but by then the visitors trailed 30-0.
And while Parramatta second-rower Kautoga got another try after the break, the Bati were never really in the contest.
AAP
