The PNG Junior Kumuls have recorded a historic win over the Australian Schoolboys, putting in a strong performance for their 18-10 victory.
Led by a controlled performance from their halves five-eighth Issac Paun and halfback and co-captain Ellyjah Birve, the home side were on the front foot early with tries in the first half to centre Jason Daniel bringing down a Birve kick and then Otto Thomas, who ran onto a good short ball from Paun at the line.
Jason Daniel Try
The home side were able to create and sustain pressure as the Australian side struggled to find their momentum, denied a number of tries to forward passes throughout the game.
There was also a long injury delay which would have rattled the visitors, with winger Cyrum Bloomfield assisted from the field after collecting the hip of a chasing Geordan Amaiu to his head. Amaiu was sent to the sin bin for the contact.
Despite being a player down, the Junior Kumuls went into the break leading 10-0 in a game full of physicality.
What a hit!
As expected, Australia fought back in the second half and were the first on the board, with centre Will Manning getting his side's opening points.
However, despite some momentum swings back Australia's way, the home side were able to handle most of what the visitors threw their way, despite letting in a try to rampaging prop Steven Nunn from a scrum play.
Steven Nunn Try
Jason Daniel also scored again in the second half to claim a double, but the result was put beyond doubt with a penalty goal from Queensland Under 19 and Penrith Panthers player Birve, who helped wind the clock down.
After coming close in recent years with close losses and a draw, the win under coach Joey Grima comes after many sesaons of progress in PNG's male pathways and academy programs.
PNG Junior Kumuls 18 (Jason Daniel 2, Otto Thomas tries; Ellyjah Birve 2 goals; Ellyjah Birve penalty goal) def Australian Schoolboys 10 (Will Manning, Steven Nunn tries; Liam Challenor goal).
Halftime score: 10-0 (PNG Junior Kumuls)
