PNG Kumuls Turn Focus To Tough Samoa Test After Winning Start

A tougher examination awaits the PNG Kumuls after their opening World Cup win, with coach Jason Demetriou expecting his team to deliver a more polished performance against Toa Samoa in Port Moresby next weekend.

PNG began its 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 42-18 triumph over Lebanon Cedars on Saturday, giving the home side an important boost before facing a physically demanding Samoa outfit at Santos National Football Stadium.

PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou

Demetriou welcomed the result but made it clear that the Kumuls still have work to do, particularly in managing fatigue and improving the movement of the ball in attack.

The coach observed that his players lost some of their energy during the match, pointing to the heat and the period without competitive football as contributing factors.

"As I said, I thought we got a bit worn out at stages today (Saturday), and that comes from the heat and the fatigue from not having a game for a while," he said.

He expects the team to make better use of its attacking opportunities as the players become more settled into the tournament.

"I just feel like we can fall into some shape and move the ball a bit more than we did today. And, that'll come as the weeks go on," Demetriou said.

Training will be important in addressing those shortcomings, with the coaching staff looking to build on the combinations and confidence gained from the opening fixture.

The emergence of Bailey Biondi-Odo has also provided encouragement, with the young player impressing after entering the match from the bench to operate in the halves.

Demetriou said the newcomer's contribution had added another dimension to the team's options as PNG prepares for its next assignment.

"We've got some new players in as well. Obviously, Bailey (Biondi-Odo) played his first game today off the bench in the halves, and I thought he did a great job when he came on," Demetriou said.

"That adds to what we can do as well."