The coach for Junior Kumuls Joseph Grima, has confirmed a youthful and refreshed squad ahead of their clash against Australia this Sunday, highlighting the rise of local talent and the long-term progress of Papua New Guinea’s elite development programs.
While the team will miss experienced names such as Jarad Horne, Sam Stephenson, and Phillip Coates, who are unavailable due to injury and personal reasons, Grima remains confident in the depth and quality of the side with the selection of five local talents to fill the gap.
“We have identified players from the Queensland competitions, the Meninga Cup, and the Digital ExxonMobil Cup.”
“We have also brought in academy players transitioning into the National Youth Competition (NYC), which we ran this year.”
One of the standout stories is that of Cooper Bai, who was set to represent the Junior Kumuls but earned a late call-up to the Gold Coast Titans’ first-grade squad, and now landing a spot in the PNG PM’s XIII squad, showcasing the increasing exposure PNG players are receiving in Australia.
This year’s team is notably younger than previous editions. Grima explained the strategic decision to lower the age profile in order to foster long-term competitiveness.
“We used to carry five 20-year-olds; however, we have made a shift.”
“The aim is to close the development gap with top-tier nations like Australia, New Zealand, and England. This younger group represents a major step forward.”
Despite the age drop, Grima remains upbeat about the squad’s chances and believes that the PNG development system is starting to show real dividends.
In addition, the team will be captained by Joseph Kora, a graduate of the academy system who now plays for the Port Moresby Vipers in the Digital ExxonMobil Cup.
“Joseph is not just a leader on the field. His leadership off the field, his discipline, his organization, and how he brings the team together, made him an obvious choice.”
Grima highlighted the progress of the One House Strategy, which unites PNG’s rugby league structure, from academy level to the Hunters and national teams, under one aligned system.
Meanwhile, the number of academy regions has expanded to eight, including new centres in Angoram and Gulf, with players now training twice a week for 22 weeks.
“We are capturing talent earlier, working with them longer, and focusing on key areas, technical skills, tactical understanding, and discipline.”
“These are the areas we must improve to catch the top-tier nations.”
With a high-profile match against Australia on Sunday, the Junior Kumuls are focused but aware of the challenge ahead.
“Nothing excites this country more than playing against Australia.”
“It is the number one rugby league nation, and our boys are ready to give their all.”
The team will also have a rare opportunity to train in an opposed session against the PNG PM’s XIII squad, which includes stars like Jack de Belin and Cooper Bai.
Coach Joe Grima ended with a message of hope and legacy stating, “Some of these boys may never wear a Kumuls jersey again, but the values they take from this program will help shape the future of this country, not just in sport, but in leadership.”
