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Papua New Guinea Kumuls emerged victorious against the Cook Islands in an intense Pacific Rugby League International match, winning 42-20 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Over 11,000 fans witnessed the Kumuls' commanding second-half performance, which secured them both the win and retention of the Pacific Bowl.

The match saw PNG Kumuls take control with eight tries, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess and determination to triumph on home soil. Elijah Roltinga opened the scoring for the Kumuls with a try in the fifth minute, but the Cook Islands quickly responded, keeping the contest highly competitive in the early stages.

Despite the Kumuls’ early breakthrough, the Cook Islands took the lead with tries from Davvy Moale in the eighth minute and Steven Marsters in the 27th minute. Marsters also added a penalty goal at the 17-minute mark, giving Cook Islands a 14-4 advantage and briefly silencing the passionate PNG fans.

The PNG Kumuls, however, rallied before halftime. Nene Macdonald’s try in the 31st minute, followed by Lachlan Lam’s try four minutes later, brought PNG back into contention. With two conversions from Kyle Laybutt, PNG took the lead 16-14 heading into halftime, building momentum that they carried through to the second half.

After the break, the Kumuls shifted into high gear, showcasing impressive teamwork and resilience. Robert Derby crossed the line in the 42nd minute, followed by a try from Sylvester Namo in the 46th minute. Laybutt’s consistent conversions further widened PNG’s lead, bringing the score to 26-14 and putting pressure on the Cook Islands.

Elijah Roltinga continued his excellent performance, securing his second try in the 49th minute, further solidifying PNG’s control of the game. Nene Macdonald added another try in the 57th minute, with Laybutt converting again to make it difficult for the Cook Islands to keep pace.

The Cook Islands fought back with a try by Esom Ioka in the 71st minute, and Marsters’ successful conversion brought the score to 36-20. However, the Kumuls’ lead remained unshakable as they controlled possession and defended fiercely.

The final try came from Morea Morea in the 79th minute, sealing the Kumuls' emphatic 42-20 victory. The fans erupted in celebration, proud of PNG’s skillful display on both offense and defense. Laybutt’s five conversions out of eight attempts were crucial in maintaining and extending PNG’s lead.

This victory not only secured the Pacific Bowl for Papua New Guinea but also earned the Kumuls a spot in the upcoming tier-one promotional relegation match against the New Zealand Kiwis. Scheduled for Sunday, November 10, 2024, at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, Australia, the match offers the Kumuls a chance to elevate their standing in the international rugby league scene.

Retaining the Pacific Bowl and facing the Kiwis signifies the Kumuls’ growing strength and prominence in Pacific rugby. This win serves as a morale boost for the team and an inspiring showcase for their dedicated fans as PNG looks ahead to the challenge in Sydney, setting their sights on securing a place in the elite tier of international rugby.

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