Early History of the PNG Kumuls Rugby League TeamBY GUMMI FRIDRIKSSON

Rugby League Football in Papua New Guinea

The history of rugby league football in Papua New Guinea dates back to the post-World War II era, during which Australian soldiers introduced locals to the sport. 

Rugby League Football in Papua New Guinea

After the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League was founded in 1949, rugby league quickly took off as a popular spectator sport. 

Most Popular Sport

By the 1960s, rugby league had emerged as the most popular sport in the country. However, the sport was mostly played by Australians and New Zealanders.

Most Popular Sport

Few Papua New Guineans actually played. In the early 1970s, participation had risen sufficiently to form a national team in the Rugby League International Federation. 

Papua New Guinea Kumuls

The Papua New Guinea Kumuls played their first Test Match in 1975, culminating in a 40-12 home defeat at the hands of Great Britain. 

Papua New Guinea KumulsThe squad entered its first Rugby League World Cup in the 1985-1989 competition. One of the team’s most famous victories came in 1986, when it completed the shock upset of New Zealand in Port Moresby.