PNG Kumuls got off to a good start with skipper Rhyse Martin stamping his leadership mark when he entered the Tongan try line to launch the first World Cup try for his side in their first match against Mate Ma’a Tonga this morning at St Helen’s Wicked Stadium. In front of 10, 409 fans, the Kumuls delivered to expectation despite having a few missed opportunities that could have earned them their first win of the series. PNG never gave up the fight in trying to match a fast- paced Tongan outfit to level the scores in the 67th minute, but a final try from the Tongans broke the hearts of the players and fans around the world to close the score board at 24-18. Despite bitter emotions of losing to a fellow Pacific Island nation among players and fans after a controversial call by the match referee that denied winger Roderick Tai's try after several replays from the bunker, the boys gave it their best performance. PNG hooker Edwin Ipape scored the player of the match award despite the heartbreaking outcome of the opening match of Group D. The Kumuls will take on Cook Islands next Wednesday 26th October 2022 at 5:30am, Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.