PNG Kumuls Coach Eyes Pacific Bowl as World Cup Launchpad
Papua New Guinea Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou says the Pacific Bowl is more than a tournament — it’s part of a calculated build-up to a historic Rugby League World Cup on home soil next year.
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| PNG Kumuls Coach Eyes Pacific Bowl as World Cup Launchpad |
Demetriou said his squad selection was about creating opportunities for emerging players, naming rising talents Cooper Bai, Morea Morea, Gairo Voro, and Finley Glare to gain vital international experience before the global stage.
“To debut on home soil in a World Cup is a big ask for any player, especially a young half,” Demetriou said. “Getting them involved now, around the senior players, sets us up for next year.”
With Papua New Guinea set to host the World Cup, Demetriou acknowledged the emotional weight of playing in front of home fans. “There haven’t been too many World Cups on home soil,” he said. “The chance to play at home is huge.”
He said the Kumuls’ trademark passion needed structure and strategy. “The passion here for the jersey is real. Our job is to put some process into that passion; to understand how we play and what brings us success.”
The Pacific Championships, he explained, are serving as both a testing ground and a development platform. Demetriou said several players could stake a claim for World Cup selection.
“The Kumul group we have now is exciting, but what comes after that is just as thrilling,” he said. “If we can develop these players correctly, PNG can be very strong on home soil in the World Cup.”
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