A champion send off for a champion PNG
November 10th 2008 07:37
The Kangaroos have continued on their uninterrupted journey to the world cup final at Suncorp stadium on November 22. But if we were to crown the efforts of those truly deserving, Papua New Guinea stands alone as the most passionate supporter of rugby league on the planet.
Even though they lost 46-6 in a very humid night in Townsville, The Kumals cherished their moment in the limelight against Australia, and for the opening twenty minutes of the first half, they defended as if their lives depended on it.
Indeed their efforts last night will go a long way to restoring the damaged creditability of international league, which has been tarnished by Australia’s dominance - not that they are in the wrong here.
The commitment and charisma displayed by the entire New Guinea team deserves recognition of the highest order, let alone a $20,000 pay check from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to help develop league in the island nation.
Adrian Lam’s side have become the fairytale of a world cup consisting of ten teams who pretty much know who will emerge champion.
Their were suggestions that Australia’s ‘B’ team would put the cleaners through The Kumals, with predictions of a 100 point thrashing well on the cards.
But not for one minute in Sunday’s contest did that ever look like happening.
At times, the Kumals met fire with fire, in particular a raging Anthony Tupou hit up late in the first half, that was met with equal interest from the New Guinean defence.
Indeed Kangaroos test debutant Terry Campese was an unfortunate victim of New Guinea’s determination, after being hit (or poked) in the eye by former Raiders team-mate Neville Costigan.
The Canberra half was forced off the field for the majority of the contest due to the incident.
There were many opportunities for Australia to place their godly mark in international league against the New Guineans, but time and time again, they were often thwarted by a last ditch ankle tap, intercept or sheer bad luck.
One moment that truly emphasised New Guinea’s commitment against the Kangaroos came in the first half when Anthony Watmough was about to seemingly score his first test try under the posts.
But out of no where, along came a Kumals winger who plays for the Gold Coast Titans in the Toyota cup. He gives Watmough the slightest of nudges, which threw him off balance, coincidently forcing the ball loose.
Despite the tackle not being reminiscent of Scott Sattler’s efforts back in 2003 against the Sydney Roosters, it was a try saver nonetheless and it showed the giant heart that beats throughout The Kumals line-up.
Indeed PNG icon Stanley Gene let his heart do the talking at fulltime, shedding tears of disappointment and joy after earlier announcing his international retirement from rugby league.
Many back in New Guinea will have shed tears as well, because it was a moment worth savouring not only for PNG, but for rugby league around the world.
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