Rugby League: PNG Kumuls Clinch Pacific Bowl, Set to Face New Zealand
In a captivating display, the Papua New Guinea Kumuls clinched the Pacific Bowl, setting up a thrilling clash with New Zealand next week. Leading the charge was Lachlan Lam, the Leigh Leopards half-back who was captaining his country for the first time, following in the footsteps of his father Adrian – a rare father-son duo to skipper a major rugby league nation.
Lam’s try was one of eight scored by the Kumuls as they dismantled the Cook Islands 42-20, securing their second straight victory in the Pacific Bowl. However, the game’s standout performer was arguably Salford Red Devils centre Nene Macdonald, who starred from the fullback position, scoring twice to help propel his nation to the upcoming playoff for the final spot in the 2025 Pacific Championships.
Standout Performances
“The Pacific Championships is becoming the biggest international sporting event in the region,” said NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. “The final next Sunday not only features four high-stakes Test matches, but it will be a celebration of Pacific culture, bringing together fans from five different nations to create a festival atmosphere that has never been seen before in our game.”
Castleford Tigers prop Sylvester Namo also impressed, scoring a powerful try early in the second half to put PNG in control. However, Namo was later sin-binned for a high tackle. New Tigers signing Judah Rimbu started at hooker for the Kumuls, with Warrington Wolves centre Rodrick Tai and new Wire signing Dan Russell also involved.
With this victory, PNG are now just one win away from promotion to the top tier of the Pacific Championships. The final of the competition will see Australia face Tonga, with the women’s matches also taking place on the same day in Sydney, showcasing the growing significance of the event.
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