Samoa enforced media ban before RLWC2021 semi-finals

Samoa coach Matt Parish has doubled down on his Samoa media ban leading up to their semi-final clash with England this weekend. 

Samoa enforced a media ban on players 

The media were unable to chat with their players in the build-up to their semi-final contest with England.

There are concerns raised by rugby league followers about the media ban.

Andrew Voss said the media ban is unacceptable. Here is how he put it...

Media bans in rugby league are a crock of shit. @RLWC2021 Seriously...Do your job. It's not life or death. It is sport. Sport attracts opinions all day every day. And you take the good with the bad. If it is offensive material you delete or block. @BBCSport @VossyBrandySEN

Later, he tweeted

''I hope coach changes his stance. Nothing but good will be achieved as a result.''

Joseph Suaali'i escaped a ban

Samoa captain and leading front-rower Junior Paulo has been handed a one-match ban and is set to miss their semi-final clash with England. 

Paulo has been given a Grade A penalty for striking after leading with his forearm during a carry that went straight into the face of Tongan forward David Fifita.

Samoa coach Matt Parish will most definitely appeal the decision. If unsuccessful, Samoa will be without the Parramatta Eels wreaking-ball in when they meet England again in the RLWC2021 semi-final.

Fullback Joseph Suaali'i escaped a ban for kneeing Kaufusi.

Media bans in rugby league are a crock of shit. @RLWC2021 Seriously...Do your job. It's not life or death. It is sport. Sport attracts opinions all day every day. And you take the good with the bad. If it is offensive material you delete or block. @BBCSport @VossyBrandySEN

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) November 7, 2022

Latest on Samoa’s Junior Paulo...

 He was successful in his challenge against a one match penalty notice for a Grade A Striking Offences during Sunday’s RLWC2021 quarter final game against Tonga.

He will be free to play in the semi-final against England.
 

Papua New Guinea Kumuls vs Wales Lineup and Prediction RLWC 2021/2022

The Welsh lost all three of their group matches at the last World Cup, including a 50-6 defeat at the hands of Papua New Guinea that they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of. 

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Papua New Guinea will not just want to win, but win-BIG to make it into the finals.

Papua New Guinea v Wales 31 October 2022

• Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster)
• RLWC Kick off at 7:30pm

PNG Kumuls Line up

1. 1 Alex Johnston, d
2. 20 Rodrick Tai 
3. 3 Nene MacDonald, 
4. 4 Justin Olam, 
5. 19 Jimmy Ngutlik
6. 6 Kyle Laybutt, 
7. 7 Lachlan Lam, 
8. 8 Wellington Albert, 
9. 9 Edwin Ipape, 
10. 17 Emmanual Waine, 
11. 11 Nixon Putt, 
12. 12 Rhyse Martin, 
13. 13 Jacob Alick, 
14. 14 Wesser Tenzer
15. 15 Daniel Russell,
16. 22 Jeremiah Simbiken
17. 21 Sherwin Tanabi 
18. 24 Zev John

Papua New Guinea v Wales prediction

With Tonga and Cook Islands facing each other in Group D, Papua New Guinea will know that victory over Wales should see them qualify, although there is a slim chance that a win may not be enough depending on the points difference. 

With that in mind, Papua New Guinea won’t just want to win here, they’ll want to win by a significant margin. 

Expect them to come out of the traps firing against a Welsh side who struggled to keep a lid on Tonga, ultimately losing by a margin of 26 points. 

Papua New Guinea are a stronger all-round unit on paper and are worth backing to secure a high-scoring victory in Doncaster.

Papua New Guinea's RLWC campaign 2022

It has been a difficult start to Papua New Guinea's campaign with the loss to Tonga. There were lots of missed opportunities in the first game against Tonga. But the win against the Cook Islands is a vote of confidence.

It is sad to lose the stars outside-backs Xavier Coates and Edene Gabi through injury. 

They have the fire-power in NRL superstars Alex Johnson and Justin Olam. 

The result will determine which side will meet England in the quarter-finals.

RLWC 2021/2022 PNG Kumuls wins against Cook Islands

Huge game to round off the 2nd round of group games in the rugby league world cup as Papua New Guinea took on the Cook Islands. PNG bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to Tonga to contest a quarter-final berth with England.

PNG Kumuls vs. Wales RLWC 3rd Game Lineup here 

PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands

You can see the PNG Kumuls vs the Cook Islands line up here.

The PNG Kumuls can take some positives after the narrow defeat to the Tongans. They proved they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the world's best nations. 

The PNG Kumuls put pressure on the Cook Islands' key players Jonathan Ford, Esan Marsters and Brad Takairangi and take control of the contest with the first try.

At full time the Kumuls scored 32 points to 16 Cook Islands.

Papua New Guinea's RLWC campaign 2022

It has been a difficult start to Papua New Guinea's campaign. There were lots of missed opportunities in the first game against Tonga. In fact, PNG Kumuls was the stronger team in the contest. They showed that in the second RLWC game against the Cook Islands with a convincing win.

It is sad to lose the stars outside-backs Xavier Coates and Edene Gabi through injury. 

They have the fire-power in NRL superstars Alex Johnson and Justin Olam. 

The result will determine which side will meet England in the quarter-finals.

PNG Kumuls or Cook Island Vs England

The Cook Islands are bookmakers' predictions, but PNG has the firepower in both forwards and backlines that causes the upset to the Kukis.

Australian Prime Minister’s XIII Line-up againt PNG Kumuls

The men’s Australian Kangaroo PM’s XIII will face off against PNG Kumuls at Suncorp Stadium before the semi-finals of the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership.

Australian RL is fielding a strong team leading up to the Rugby League World Cup in England.

Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII full squad

1. Daine Laurie
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Zac Lomax
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Matt Burton
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
9. Ben Hunt
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Nat Butcher
12. Angus Crichton
13. Josh King
14. Max King
15. Beau Fermor
16. Jake Simpkin
17. Luke Garner
18. Josh Curran
19. Jake Averillo
20. Sam Walker

Check out the possible PNG Kumuls lineup here. The Kumuls are likely to retain the team that beat Fiji Batis in the Pacific Test match in June.

Image: Fox League/Twitter

How to watch  Australian Prime Minister’s XIII vs. PNG Kumuls

All matches will be broadcast on the Nine Network and Fox Sports. 

The PM’s XIII matches will be broadcast on GEM. 

This is the first time the PM’s XIII matches will have been broadcasted on free-to-air television in Australia and in PNG.

David Mead Confirms his last rep game - PNG Kumuls Pacific Test

PNG LNG Kumuls captain David Mead has confirmed that this week’s PacificTest against Fiji will be his last appearance for the Kumuls. He will not be playing in Rugby League World Cup.

Check out the RLWC Lineup and trending stories

Here is what he said:

“I know there are a lot of young guys coming through who would benefit from this opportunity to play in the World Cup, and I’d love for them to get the opportunity that I was given at the age of 19 years old in 2008, and I was able to make an NRL career out of it. I hope that opportunity can be given to one of these young guys coming through,” he explains.

Mead is Kumul 227 and made his debut against England at RLWC2008 at an age of 19 years old. He has gone on to represent Papua New Guinea Kumuls in many test matches, featuring in 2019 RLWC where PNG made it to the Qtr finals in England.

Saturday’s game will be his 15th test match for the Kumuls, and his appearance record bettered only by Stanley Gene, John Wilshere and Paul Aiton (each of whom has made 16 Kumuls test appearances).

#PNG LNG Kumuls captain @davidmead411 has confirmed that this week’s #PacificTest against #Fiji will be his last appearance for the Kumuls and he will not be playing at @RLWC2021. Check out his video message below and read more: https://t.co/RIztcomxz9 #NRL #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/CbmATYHwHt

— PNG Kumuls (@PNGKumulsRL) June 22, 2022

PNG Kumuls Lineup and Draw Rugby League World Cup

The head coach Stanley Tepend will be preparing the PNG Kumuls teams for a busy International Rugby League competition. PNG Kumuls and PMs 13 play a couple of spirited games againt Fiji and Australia leading up to the major international rugby league test games in England, UK.

• Pacific Test against Fiji in June (PLAYED)
• PM's XIII match in September (PLAYED) and
• Rugby League World Cup in October and November. (COMING UP)

The current PNG Kumuls team looks solid and will take on some of the tough teams in the RLWC the playoffs - Tonga, Cook Islands and Wales.

PNG Kumuls vs. Wales RLWC 3rd Game Lineup here 

Rugby League World Cup (England) - PNG Kumuls Draw

• 18th October - PNG vs Tonga
• 25th October - PNG vs the Cook Islands
• 31st October PNG vs Wales
• Qtr Finals start 4th November
• Semi-Finals start on 11th November

PNG Kumuls Lineup World Cup

The name list is the final PNG Kumuls team for the Rugby League World Cup (England).

NRL and QRL players will be available during the off-season, including the UK-based PNG players. The PNG Kumuls Team will field a strong team against Wales, the Cook Islands and Tonga sides.

1.  Wellington Albert (London Broncos, UK)
2. Jacob Alick (Gold Coast Titans, Australia)
3. Keven Appo (PNG Hunters PNG)
4. Watson Boas (Doncaster, UK)
5. Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm, Australia)
6. Edene Gebbie (Townsville Blackhawks, Australia)
7. Edwin Ipape (Leigh Centurions, UK)
8. Zev John (Central Queensland Capras, Australia)
9. Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Australia)
10. Lachlan Lam (Leigh Centurions, UK)
11. Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks, Australia)
12. Nene Macdonald (Leigh Centurions, UK)
13. Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos, UK)
14. Sylvester Namo (PNG Hunters, PNG)
15. Jimmy Ngutlik (Western Suburbs Magpies, Australia)
16. Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm, Australia)
17. Nixon Putt (Central Queensland Capras, Australia)
18. Daniel Russell (Brisbane Tigers, Australia)
19. Jeremiah Simbiken (Redcliffe Dolphins, Australia)
20. Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters, PNG)
21. Sherwin Tanabi (PNG Hunters, PNG)
22. Wesser Tenza (PNG Hunters, PNG)
23. Emmanuel Waine (PNG Hunters, PNG)
24. Mckenzie Yei (Central Queensland Capras, Australia)

Pacific test

• Papua New Guinea Kumuls plays Fiji Batis in a Pacific Test at Campbelltown Stadium on June 25.

PNG Kumuls vs Fiji Bati in PNG. Here is the PNG Kumul team that beat the Fiji Batis.

Lineup	Name	Kumul #	Club
1	Alex Johnson	294	South Sydney
2	Robert Derby	296 (Debut)	Northern Pride
3	David Mead	227	Brisbane Broncos
4	Justin Olam	274	Melbourne Storm
5	Terry Wapi	290	PNG Hunters
6	Lachlan Lam	283	Sydney Roosters
7	Epel Kapinias	298 (Debut)	Wynnum Manly
8	Wartovo Parua	260	PNG Hunters
9	Sylvester Namo	299 (Debut)	PNG Hunters
10	Nixon Put	281	Central Capras
11	Daniel Russel	295	East Tigers
12	Liam Horne	300 (Debut)	North Devils
13	Kyle Laybutt	292	Townsville Blackhawks
14	Emmanuel Naine	301 (Debut)	PNG Hunters
15	McKenzie Yei	302 (Debut)	Central Capras
16	Jacob Alick	303 (Debut)	Burley Bears/GC Titans
17	Dilbert Isaac		PNG Hunters
18	Sherwin Tanabi		PNG Hunters
19	Cruise Ten		South Logan

Latest score updates  - International Rugby Matches

• PNG Kumuls 24 - 14 Fiji Batis FT
• Samoa 42 - 12 Cook Islands FT
• New Zealand Kiwis 26 - 6 Tonga FT.

Check out the PNG Kumuls lineup and other RL stories here.

Justin Olam and Harry Grant Tok Pisin na PNG Social Media Lit

Tok Pisin is a funny language. It is also evolving language, taking on many new styles and expressions. Many regions in PNG have their styles. The way Tok Pisin is used can evoke different emotions and also helps to express different feelings: sadness, happiness, friendship, love etc...

Latest Posts: Check out NRL Dally M Awards Selections and Invite for Justin Olam - Centre of the Year Award 2021

The people of Highlands, especially Goroka and Simbu, have special use of certain words in Tok Pisin. The words are ordinary, everyday words, in Tok Pisin. But, when it comes out from one of these Highlanders, you'll be sure to laugh. 

It is special. 

It means connection. 

It means friendship, love and respect.

So, here we see the latest viral image of Harry Grant took Pisin word, Pamuk, on Instagram after NRL Round 21 win over the Sea Eagles. 

The Aussie would say 

'It's a bloody good use of the word' in the context of the hard-fought win over the Eagles.

Here is the re-make of the viral Tok Pisin word.

Melbourne Storm NRL News and updates: Check out the latest updates and NRL fixtures here - featuring #YourStorm

Storm Cotton On NRL Cotton On Super Comfy Off-field Clothes

The first clubs (and fans) to enjoy the clothing range were Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Eels, Storm, Broncos or Cowboys. Their fans were ecstatic!  The NRL Cotton On Super Comfy Off-field Clothes are now available for fans. As the NRL season goes into the finals, fans will have to grab their old Cotton On shirts and scarfs or get a new one.

 Storm NRL Cotton On Super Comfy Off-field Clothes

Cotton On also made pay options available to fans through their vouchers and other promos. Even, they gave free merchandise to fans (and convert some AFL fans to NRL). 

See what some fans said about the surprise NRL gifts that they got from Cotton On.

IDK anything about NRL or even watch it but ever since cotton on accidentally sent me that eels shirt I’ve decided they’re my team. [Laura, Twitter, May 2021]

NRL Teams Cotton On Clothing Range - what the fans say!

The demand for quality clothing for the NRL teams and their supporters where high. Cotton on realised the open market available to them. Many NRL fans wanted their NRL clubs brands that are comfy, comfortable and snug. 

The sentiments were shared by many fans on social media. Here are some statements that show that the fans really wanted an NRL Cotton On range in 2018/19 having seen the Cotton On AFL clothing ranges:

I am SO jealous of the AFL’s collaboration with Cotton On. Why can’t the  @NRL have merchandise as nice as this Crying face @SeaEagles  maybe we could be the first to start? [Ella, Twitter, 19/08/2019]

Cotton On have an AFL range for women. Does anyone want to make an NRL one? [Steph, Twitter, 17/03/2018]

Cotton On NRL clothing ranges 

Though Cotton On NRL clothing ranges is expensive they are super stylish and of high quality.  In fact, the Cotton On NRL and AFL ranges are super clean. The quality is A1. Here are some photos. 

Disclaimer: We do not own the photos. All credits are given in the caption. Check out the Cotton on NRL Online Store for more.

Image: Hit Network

POPULAR ON AMAZON NOW: MERCHANDISE

Image: Cotton On | NRL

Image: NRL.com

POPULAR ON AMAZON AU NOW: POPULAR SPORTS ITEM LIST

Melbourne Storm fans can now show your colours

Cotton On has got the supporter gear for the mighty Melbourne Storm since 2019. In fact, #YourStorm was the first of the teams 6 teams Cotton On produced the supporters' gear for. 

Cotton on got a range of official NRL Storm off-field merchandise gear on their online store. If you're at the game or cheering your Storm players from home, check out the Online Store.