PNG LNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says his side has learned key lessons from last week’s performance and is ready to deliver a stronger showing when they face Fiji Bati in the Pacific Championships this weekend.
Coming off a tough opening-round match, Demetriou said the short turnaround between games posed its challenges, but the team has used the week to sharpen their focus.
“It’s always difficult when you’re the second weekend — we saw that with the Samoa-Tonga game,” he said.
“We took some good learnings out of our performance. We need to control the ball better, especially in the heat, because fatigue catches up and it costs you points.”
Demetriou confirmed a few squad changes aimed at adding size and versatility through the middle third. Rising winger Dudley Dotoi will make his official debut after impressing in the PM’s XIII, while Valentine Richard returns to bring added aggression up front.
“Dudley’s earned his debut. He’s had an outstanding season and deserves his chance,” Demetriou said.
“Val gives us a bit more punch in the middle, and Rob Matty’s inclusion on the bench gives us that versatility we need. Overall, I’m pretty happy with how the squad is shaping up.”
The Kumuls coach was frank about the need for improvement in key areas, particularly ball control and defensive execution.
“We were only at 55% completion in the second half last week,” he explained.
“To defend well, we’ve got to hold the ball and finish our sets in good areas. The heat and fatigue make it tough when you’re defending too much even the best players will concede points under that kind of pressure.”
Demetriou said he expects a physical battle through the middle against Fiji but believes PNG can turn that challenge into an advantage if they stick to their plan.
“If we can put Fiji in the areas we want and get our aggression on, we can really trouble them. We showed some strike last week and I’d love to see Gairo get more ball and show what he can do.”
With several key players unavailable, including Jeremiah Simbiken, Roderick Tai, and Elijah Rottenger, Demetriou said the experience gained by younger players this year will be vital heading toward the 2026 World Cup.
“This is about getting players ready for the World Cup,” he said.
“We’ve got to think bigger. We want to have our best-ever World Cup. Dudley’s earned his debut, Rob’s consistent and dependable, and both bring great energy to the team.”
Demetriou reaffirmed his commitment to coaching the Kumuls through to the 2026 World Cup, calling it an “absolute privilege” to lead the national side.
“I love this job. It’s an honour to represent PNG and Rugby League in this nation,” he said.
“We’re celebrating 25 years since the 2000 team won its first game on foreign soil and that’s an achievement, we’re proud of, and it reminds us of what’s possible.”
The coach praised the passionate home fans at Santos National Football Stadium, saying their energy makes a real difference.
“I don’t know if there’s a better crowd in the world,” he said. “By kick-off last week the stadium was packed, and the energy was electric. When we play that Kumuls style of footy — fast, aggressive, and exciting — it brings the crowd alive.”
Demetriou also highlighted the need to contain Fiji’s offload game, led by the dynamic Viliame Kikau, while continuing to develop PNG’s own attacking combinations.
“Fiji’s second-phase play is dangerous, so we’ve got to stay connected in defence. But if we stick to our game and get players like Gairo involved, we can really show what this team’s about.”
