Disgraced PNG Rugby Boss Kori Chan Faces Lifelong Ban from the Sport

Robert Derby and Nene Macdonald played pivotal roles in leading Papua New Guinea to a 22-10 victory over Fiji in their Pacific Bowl opener on Saturday night. The duo's standout performances helped the Kumuls take control of the match and put them in a strong position for promotion in the 2025 Pacific Championships.

Playing in front of a lively Fijian crowd in Suva, where the home side was appearing for the first time in 24 years, the Kumuls quickly asserted their dominance. By halftime, Papua New Guinea had established a comfortable 16-0 lead, leaving the Fiji Bati struggling to find their footing.

Nene Macdonald [PNG LNG Kumuls Photo]

Derby, a North Queensland Cowboys prospect, was instrumental in the win, intercepting two passes from Fiji’s star player Viliame Kikau. His first interception led to the game's opening try, and his second provided the opportunity for Macdonald to cross the line early in the second half. Macdonald was in stellar form, amassing 227 running meters, two line breaks, and 10 tackle breaks throughout the match.

This victory marks the second consecutive Test win for the Kumuls over Fiji. Under the guidance of coach Jason Demetriou, the PNG side is now in a prime position to secure a spot in the Pacific Bowl final and aim for promotion. A win over the Cook Islands in Week 3 will guarantee their place in the final, while Fiji now faces a must-win match in Week 2 against the Cook Islands to keep their hopes alive.

Despite some early defensive efforts from Fiji, including a critical goal-line tackle by Taane Milne and a well-placed 40/20 kick by Kurt Donoghoe, the Bati couldn’t maintain momentum. Kikau’s misplaced offload was intercepted by Derby, leading to the first try. Soon after, Macdonald bulldozed through defenders and set up Judah Rimbu for the second. A third try from Sylvester Namo just before halftime stretched the Kumuls’ lead to 16-0.

Fiji managed a brief comeback in the second half when Semi Valemei crossed the line for a try, bringing the score to 16-4. However, Derby’s second interception led to a decisive try by Macdonald, sealing the Kumuls’ victory. A late try from Maika Sivo, converted by Milne, reduced the final score to 22-10, but it was too late for the Fijian side.

The game was held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Papua New Guinea’s tries were scored by Robert Derby, Judah Rimbu, Sylvester Namo, and Nene Macdonald, with Rhyse Martin successfully converting three of the tries. Fiji’s points came from tries by Semi Valemei and Maika Sivo, with Taane Milne converting Sivo’s try.

As the tournament continues, the Kumuls will shift their focus to Week 3, where a win against the Cook Islands will secure their place in the final. Fiji, on the other hand, must defeat the Cook Islands in Week 2 to remain in the race for the promotion-relegation match.

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