Both the PNG Kumuls and the Fiji Bati have promised that they will not be pulling punches as they prepare for their first ever Pacific Championships match up in what can be dubbed as the Melanesian battle. Both teams boast a wealth of NRL & Super League experience, with PNG having the advantage of playing at the Home of Papua New Guinean Rugby League, the Santos National Football Stadium. The last time both sides met, a spirited PNG Kumuls, fueled by the departure of former captain David Mead saw the Kumuls outmuscle the Bati to win 24-10. In their past 3 meetings since 2018, the Kumuls have come away with 2 wins and will be looking to maintain this, heading into their Match on Sunday. Kumul coach, Justin Holbrook said his side will be looking to build on their victory against the Cook Islands in the first week of the Championship, and is expecting a strong opposition come gameday. “It’s going to be a tough game but we’re going to have a good week and we look forward to the game on Sunday.” With the omission of star centre Justin Olam and the return of Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, Wellington Albert and Roderick Tai, a selection headache is the only hurdle that Holbrook is expecting aside from the bolstered experience from the Fijian side.