Pacific / Papua New Guinea

Sport: PNG Kumuls want better officiating in clash against Knights

11:22 am on 3 November 2018

The Papua New Guinea Kumuls are determined to exact revenge upon the England Knights when they meet in the last game of their two match rugby league series this afternoon.

Kumuls coach Michael Marum said he had talked to his players about being accountable for their mistakes in the first meeting of the two sides, a 16-12 defeat.

The Knights beat the Kumuls 16-12 in the first game Photo: PNG Rugby League

He said it was important to acknowledge their shortcomings before preparing for the next game.

"So we spoke about the game in a brief meeting with all the players and staff.

"Not to point fingers at anyone else," Marum said.

"We have to be accountable for our loss there."

However Marum said he was also looking for an improved performance from the match officials, who he believed were off the mark last week.

"Hopefully there will be a bit more international rules apply by the referees.

"The rolled ball that the England side got away with just all throughout the game, there was just not a proper attempt to play the football," he said.

"And not just there, they were just leaving the line before the ball was actually touching the foot."

PNG make minor changes as the Knights swap half dozen

Meanwhile Marum has brought Zev John into his starting line-up for the game with Enock Maki shifting to the interchange bench.

Moses Meninga moves to prop, allowing John to partner Nixon Putt in the second row.

On the bench, Ase Boas makes way for Kyle Laybutt.

James Segeyaro is unable because of delayed travel arrangements.

Knights coach Paul Anderson has made six changes to his team for this afternoon's match in Port Moresby.

Anderson has made no secret he eyes the series as an opportunity to provide players with international experience and a chance to develop.

PNG Kumuls sing their anthem with pride Photo: PNG Rugby League

The PNG Kumuls team:

David Mead (c), Junior Rau, Justin Olam, Nene Macdonald, Brandon Nima, Edwin Ipape, Watson Boas, Moses Meninga, Tom Butterfield, Stanton Albert, Zev John, Nixon Pitt, Wellington Albert.

Interchange: Kyle Laybutt, Enock Maki, Rhadley Brawa, Dilbert Isaac.

The England Knights squad:

Jack Walker, Tom Davies, Toby King, Liam Sutcliffe, Tom Lineham, Declan Patton, Chris Atkin, Mikolaj Oledski, Sam Powell, Matty Lees, Harvey Livett, Matt Whitley, Jack Hughes

Interchange: Danny Walker, Ash Handley, Robbie Mulhern, Joe Philbin.