Adrian Lam Confident in PNG Kumuls’ Future as Top Four Rugby League Nation
Papua New Guinea rugby league legend Adrian Lam believes the Kumuls are stronger than ever and is confident that the team can break into the top four rugby league nations in the coming years. Lam's optimism comes as the Kumuls continue to rise on the international stage, following their victory in the Pacific Bowl last autumn, where they emerged as one of the tournament's dominant forces.
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| Adrian Lam Confident in PNG Kumuls’ Future as Top Four Rugby League Nation [Photo credit" Leigh Lepards] |
With key players such as Rhyse Martin, Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, and Xavier Coates likely to feature again this autumn, the Kumuls are among the favorites to claim the Pacific Bowl once more. The team’s progress has been further bolstered by the recent appointment of former South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou as their new head coach, leading up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with some of the tournament's games set to be held in Papua New Guinea.
Lam, who currently coaches the Leigh Leopards in the Super League, expressed his pride in the Kumuls’ growing stature in international rugby league. Reflecting on the team's journey, Lam recalled his involvement with Mal Meninga during the early 2010s, a period that saw the foundation of the PNG Hunters and their entry into the Queensland Cup. He noted that since then, Papua New Guinea rugby league has been on an upward trajectory.
"Seeing PNG players competing in clubs across the world is a testament to how far the game has come in the country. They’re the favorites to win the Pacific Championships again this year, and I believe that within the next decade, they could become a major force in international rugby league, potentially breaking into the top four, or even higher if they continue on this path," Lam said during a recent press conference.
Lam also highlighted Papua New Guinea's ongoing bid to become the 18th team in the National Rugby League (NRL), emphasizing the positive impact this could have on the sport and the country as a whole. He acknowledged that while he is not closely acquainted with new coach Jason Demetriou, he is excited about the future of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
The prospect of government funding, reportedly over $600 million, to support the NRL bid and further rugby league development in Papua New Guinea adds to the excitement. Lam believes that this investment, combined with the potential NRL expansion, signals a bright future for the sport in the nation.
Papua New Guinea is unique in being the only country where rugby league is the national sport, and Lam is optimistic that the Kumuls' growing success and the potential NRL inclusion will bring "exciting times ahead" for the country, which he believes is well-deserved.
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