The Papua New Guinea Kumuls are sharpening their focus on ball control as they prepare to face the Fiji Bati in the Pacific Bowl grand final on Saturday.
The Kumuls have learned important lessons from last weekend’s performance and are determined to improve in key areas, especially in handling and completing sets, when they lock horns with Fiji.
“It’s been good coming straight off a game and back into camp,” head coach Jason Demetriou said.
“We took some good lessons out of the game, but we need to control the ball better and give ourselves a chance.
“If we don’t control the ball, especially in the heat, it will take its toll at the back end of the game.”
The Kumuls struggled with a low 55 per cent completion rate in the second half against the Cook Islands last week, which Demetriou said put extra pressure on the defensive line.
“To be better in defence, we’ve got to hold the ball,” he explained.
“When you defend as much as we did in the second half, fatigue sets in, and it doesn’t matter how good you are, you’ll eventually concede points.”
The coach added that the team has been “honest” about its mistakes and has worked hard this week to fix them through video reviews and targeted training.
Demetriou believes that if the Kumuls can dictate where Fiji plays the ball, they can regain their trademark aggression and control the rhythm of the match.
“If we can put Fiji in the areas of the field we want and bring our aggression, we’ll be in a strong position,” he said.
“We showed flashes of that last week but didn’t give ourselves enough chances.”
Demetriou is also excited to see more of five-eighth Gairo Voro and Morea Morea, who both impressed in limited touches last weekend.
“I’d like to see Gairo get more ball this week. When he had it, he showed what he can do, and we saw Morea’s strike power, too. I’m looking forward to seeing them get more opportunities.”
Meanwhile, fans are the vital source of energy for the PNG Kumuls on Saturday, and head coach Jason Demetriou declares that “there is no better crowd in the world than the one in Port Moresby”.
And Demetriou added: “The passionate home crowd will be our biggest weapon.
“I don’t know if there’s a better crowd in the world, to be honest.
“Last week started a bit quiet but, by kick-off, the stadium was packed and the energy was electric, especially when we played the kind of footy we know we can play.
“It’s up to us to get the crowd into the game and play that true Kumul style.”
Demetriou said that style – fast, physical, and fearless is what defines the Kumuls.
“That’s the footy I love to see,” he said.
“When we generate ruck speed, play fast, and get players coming off the back fence, that’s Kumul footy.
“We saw glimpses of it last week when Finley Glare nearly scored off Edwin Ipape’s run and Morea’s offload. We want to build on that this weekend.”
He added that the clash against Fiji will not only be about lifting the Pacific Bowl trophy but also about preparing the team for bigger challenges ahead, including the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
“This game is the best preparation we can get for the World Cup,” Demetriou said.
“There’s a trophy on the line and a lot at stake.
“I’ve been really impressed with Fiji. They’re similar to us – young, hungry, and full of energy. Both sides have brought in a lot of new players, and you can see the future of both nations coming through.”
Demetriou said he expects an open and exciting game, with both teams playing fearless rugby.
“These young players have no fear. They just want to play and express themselves.
“You saw that from Fiji last week and, hopefully, you’ll see it from us this week.” he said.
