Lam wants Kumul squad named

By Kevin Teme

PNG Prime Minister’s XIII coach Adrian Lam wants the 40-player train-on squad to be named as soon as possible.

Lam when contacted in Brisbane yesterday said: “As very much I would like to see that the 40-man train-on squad must be named as soon as possible but with the PNGRFL issue, I hope they solve it quickly so the boys can be prepared well for the World Cup.”

This may not be so soon despite an earlier call from the Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko said his deputy Labi Amaiu who is responsible for rugby league and soccer. They will meet with all the stakeholders concerned to resolve the matter once and for all. This has not happened yet.

Earlier, Amaiu said that the meeting with those various stakeholders will be held straight after the PM’s XIII match but that has not happened.

The leagues are now frustrated and say the Government through its sports ministry must appoint an interim board to convene an AGM set for next month. 

Lam who should be arriving in the country today said that if the PNGRFL wish to name the side they have to name it now for them to make early preparations for the World Cup and also to have the team ready for the first trial hit out in January next season against the South Sydney Rabbitohs and few other challenges that may arise.

It is believed most players selected for the Prime Minister’s XIII match have not received any training program to keep them fit and ready for camp once when the team is announced.

Earlier last month, League’s Ivan Ravu also said that all positions were to be advertised which means all coaching roles, management, and other PNGRFL positions will be advertised for candidates to apply for. That will not happen as PNGRFL right now has no Board in place.