PNG Kumuls defeated Fiji Bati 22-10 in their Pacific Championships opener in Suva. 19 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / NRL
The opportunity to play in the Pacific Cup rugby league competition ignited the Papua New Guinea Kumuls as they romped to a 22-10 win over the Fijian Bati in Suva on Saturday night.
And Fetu Samoa keep their dream of playing in the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup alive with an impressive 30-16 win over Tonga in the women's competition earlier in the evening.
The win means PNG have one foot in the door already of qualifying for the promotion relegation as the top Bowls team.
They will meet Cook Islands at home in Port Moresby in two week's time and will need just a draw to claim top spot.
The promotion relegation series in this year's Pacific Cup series means all Pacific teams will be gunning to run through their respective competitions undefeated.
Tonga, who lost 18-0 to Australia on Friday night, will need to win against New Zealand in Auckland on 2 November.
If they lose that clash, it will mean they will play the promotion relegation series against either Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.
The winner gets to play in the Cup division in 2025 while the loser competes in the Bowl.
In the women's competition, Samoa started well and look set to qualify for the world meet next year.
They will await the final on 2 November.
PNG Kumuls defeated Fiji Bati 22-10 in their Pacific Championships opener in Suva. 19 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / NRL
Kumuls fired up for win
It was evident from the start the Kumuls were hungrier and more determined to win in Laucala.
The Bati were playing at home for the first time in 24 years.
Kumuls assistant coach Paul Aiton had predicted a tough challenge before the game.
On the field, the tough challenge was for Fiji to handle, as the Kumuls put them to the test early.
A 16-0 lead at halftime for the visitors meant the home fans were left sitting uneasy.
The visitors got tries through winger Robert Derby, Judah Rimbu and Sylvester Namo in the first spell.
The Bati responded with a try to Cowboys winger Semi Valemei, but PNG's Derby intercepted a Bati pass and sprinted down the field before setting up veteran fullback Nene McDonald for a try.
The inclusion of Viliame Kikau and Michael Jennings could not help the Bati, who got a consolation try through Eels winger Maika Sivo, as time ran out on them.
Kikau was guilty of giving away a try when his loose pass saw Derby intercept, leading to McDonald's try.
The Bati will play Cook Islands next weekend in round two and must win to stay in contention for top spot.
Bati head coach Waisea Kativerata said they will regroup and work on their weaknesses before tackling the Cooks.
"We did not execute well enough and the Kumuls made us pay," he said.
"Congratulations to them. We get to go again next week."
Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou started his campaign on a high with the win and said they will review and prepare for their next game.
"It was good to get a win and we will go back and work on areas we need improvement on," he said.
Fetu Samoa are one win away from confirming their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after getting past Pacific neighbours Tonga. 19 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / NRLW
Samoa humbles Tonga in women's clash
The 30-16 win over Tonga means Samoa is now just a win away from the World Cup.
Fetu Samoa did not take long to get their game going, scoring through Sarina Masada from their first run of six.
Masada was a hard player to contain for the Tongans, dotting down for her second try before halftime.
The Samoans led 20-10 at halftime after Sienna Lofipo and Jessica Patea also claimed tries.
Tonga got points through Filomena Hanisi and Manilita Takapautolo.
Patea claimed her second try in the second spell, while Linday Tui also scored once to add points to Samoa's tally.
Tonga recorded a try through Lavinia Tauhalaliku after the resumption of the second half.
The Women's Bowl winners will be rewarded with direct entry to RLWC 2026, while the runner-up will progress to the 2025 World Series.
Fiji and the Cook Islands meet in the second round on October 26.
The two winners meet in the final in Auckland on November 2.
Samoan head coach Jamie Soward said they were happy with the win, as it helps in achieving their goal of qualifying for the world cup.
"The Tongans were physical but we are happy the team stuck to our game plan and got that first win," he said.
"This was a big game and the win sets us to qualify for the world cup."