Rugby league was first played in Papua New Guinea in the late forties; it was introduced to the nation by Australian soldiers stationed there during and after the Second World War. It is now regarded as the country’s national sport. The national side are known as the Kumuls.

Many Papua New Guinean players have left the country in order to pursue professional rugby league careers in Great Britain and Australia.

A team representing Papua New Guinea (generally made up only of locally based players) plays an Australian Prime Minister's XIII in an annual match. The Australian side consists mostly of developing players from the premier competition the NRL.

The current coach of the Kumuls is Jason Carroll.

History

Papua New Guinea were admitted to the game’s International Federation in 1974.

On 6th July 1975, at Boroko, Papua New Guinea played their first ever international. They were beaten 40-12 by England. The English team were en route to Australia and New Zealand to fulfil away fixtures during the 1975 World Cup.

They first entered the Rugby League World Cup for the 1985-89 competition, though it was not until 1995 that they were able to win away from home.

In 1987 The Kumuls stage their first full test playing tour of Britain, after playing BARLA opposition in 1979. They lose their test 42-0 at Central Park Wigan.

In 1990 Papua New Guinea played host to a touring Great Britain, the series ended in a 1-1 draw.

In 2005 Papua New Guinea beat the Australian Prime Minister's XIII 24-16 in Darwin.

They have been granted automatic qualification to the 2008 World Cup

Famous players

• Marcus Bai
• Stanley Gene
• Adrian Lam
• Arnold Kerwanty
• David Westley

See also

• Rugby league in Papua New Guinea
• Emerging Nations Tournament
• World Cup

International rugby league teams | Rugby league in Papua New Guinea