ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Southern dominant team

Southern has claimed the national rugby league championship, demonstrating their dominance by filling more than half of the spots on the upcoming Kumul team for their tour of New Zealand.

The Southern team secured 11 out of the 22 available positions in the national squad announced yesterday. Among the selected players are former Kumul captain John Joseph and Southern's own skipper, Roy Loitive, who has been appointed as the team captain for the tour. In contrast, Highlands, a team that has historically dominated Kumul selections, managed to get only five players selected, while Islands and Northern each earned three spots.

Coach Uve Sabumei expressed satisfaction with the selectors' choices, describing the squad as "balanced" with a mix of youth and experience. He specifically highlighted the team's defensive capabilities, noting that defense has been a weakness in past performances. "Defence has been lacking in the past and the Kumul team now has good defenders," Sabumei stated.

“

It has youth, experience and is a defensive side. Defence has been lacking in the past and the Kumul team now has good defenders.

The team faces a dual incentive: to prove their critics wrong regarding the tour and to defeat the reigning world champions, New Zealand. Sabumei acknowledged that significant preparation is required before the team departs. Ben Sabumei, president of the PNG Rugby Football League, also voiced his approval of the selection, emphasizing that the team officials are now responsible for the team's preparation.

The selection process also brought surprises and disappointments. Newcomers to the Kumul team include Southern's fullback Mathias Kitiman, Londari Monape, Sisa Kimia, Kilie Ario, Northern zone's Roy Hent, and Simon Wema from Islands. Players like Simon Elar (SZ) and Stainer Sapu (HZ) were noted as being unlucky to miss out.

“

I am happy with it, and it is up to the team officials to prepare the team before they leave.