PNG Prime Minister James Marape yesterday congratulated Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls and Orchids after they defeated Lebanon 42–18 and France 58–4 in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The teams launched their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaigns with commanding victories.
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Prime Minister Marape said in a statement that the double triumph highlighted the determination, discipline, teamwork and fighting spirit of Papua New Guinea’s men’s and women’s national sides.
The Kumuls defeated Lebanon before 11,624 passionate supporters at the Santos National Football Stadium.
“This is a proud day for Papua New Guinea. Our Kumuls and Orchids have shown the world the passion, courage and determination that define our nation,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I congratulate every player in both teams, Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou, the coaching staff, team management and everyone who contributed to these outstanding victories.
“Our men and women have made the entire country proud. They played with confidence, discipline and tremendous heart, and they have given our people a wonderful reason to celebrate.”
The Kumuls made an explosive start, racing to an 18–0 lead through first-half tries by Gairo Voro, Robert Derby and Nixon Putt before Lebanon fought back through Abbas Miski and Tony Sukkar to narrow the margin to 18–12 at halftime.
Papua New Guinea regained control in the second half, with Finley Glare and Epel Kapinias crossing early before captain Rhyse Martin and Bailey Biondi-Odo sealed the victory with two late tries.
Martin delivered an outstanding individual performance, scoring a try and converting all seven of Papua New Guinea’s tries for a personal tally of 18 points.
Prime Minister Marape commended the players for maintaining their composure after Lebanon’s first-half comeback and responding with a commanding second-half performance.
“What impressed me most was the way our players responded when Lebanon fought back. They remained focused, trusted one another and finished the game strongly,” he said.
“That is the spirit of the Kumuls. It is also the spirit we want to see throughout Papua New Guinea — people working together, supporting one another and never giving up when faced with challenges.
“Rugby league holds a special place in the hearts of Papua New Guineans. From our villages and rural communities to our towns and cities, this game brings our people together like few other things can.
“Today, our Kumuls have united millions of Papua New Guineans behind one team, one flag and one nation.”
Prime Minister Marape said the victory was particularly significant as Papua New Guinea prepared for the historic entry of the PNG Chiefs into Australia’s National Rugby League competition in 2028.
He said the performance of the Kumuls demonstrated the depth of rugby league talent in Papua New Guinea and the enormous potential of local players to compete at the highest international level.
“As we prepare for the PNG Chiefs to enter the NRL in 2028, performances like today’s remind us why Papua New Guinea deserves its place on the world’s biggest rugby league stage,” he said.
“Our country has an extraordinary passion for rugby league, and we have talented young men and women who deserve opportunities to develop their skills and compete internationally.
“The arrival of the PNG Chiefs will open a new chapter for rugby league in our country, creating pathways for our young people and inspiring the next generation of Papua New Guinean sporting stars.
“Today’s victory is another reminder of what our nation can achieve when we invest in our people, develop our talent and work together towards a common goal.”
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the Lebanon Cedars for their competitive performance and thanked the visiting players, officials and supporters for being part of the occasion in Port Moresby.
He said hosting Rugby League World Cup matches on home soil was an important opportunity for Papua New Guinea to demonstrate its passion for rugby league, its hospitality and its growing capacity to host major international sporting events.
“I thank the thousands of supporters who turned out at the Santos National Football Stadium, as well as the many Papua New Guineans who followed the match from their homes and communities across the country,” he said.
“Our supporters are among the most passionate in the rugby league world, and their encouragement gives our players enormous strength.
“I also congratulate our PNG Orchids on their outstanding 58–4 victory over France earlier today. Special congratulations go to winger Naomi Kelly, who delivered an exceptional performance by scoring four tries and equalling the national record for most tries in a single international match.
“Naomi’s achievement is a tremendous source of pride for Papua New Guinea and an inspiration to young women and girls throughout our country who aspire to represent their nation in rugby league.
“Both our men’s and women’s national teams have given Papua New Guinea a wonderful start to the Rugby League World Cup.
“To our Kumuls and Orchids, congratulations on your victories. Enjoy this moment, but remain humble, disciplined and focused on the challenges ahead.
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“The entire nation stands behind you as you continue your World Cup campaigns.
“Fly our flag proudly, play for our people and continue to show the world what Papua New Guinea can achieve.
“Go Kumuls! Go Orchids! God bless Papua New Guinea.”