The PNG Kumuls are ready to take on rivals, the Vodafone Fiji Bati, in the opening match of the Pacific Rugby League Bowl Championship this Saturday.
Kumuls captain Kyle Laybutt says they have learned from their weaknesses in last night's game where Australia beat the Kumuls 42-20.
Laybutt says they need to work on those mistakes to build their confidence.
He added that they have had a core group of players for a few years now and will refine their game plan as they move forward.
Laybutt also mentioned that playing under a new coach and structure will boost their performance this week.
On August 30th, it was announced that the tournament would include promotion and relegation matches between the third-placed Pacific Cup team and the first-placed Pacific Bowl team in both the men's and women's tournaments. This marks a change in format from the 2023 Pacific Championships.
The 2024 men's tournament will again feature two divisions, the Pacific Cup and the Pacific Bowl.
The Cup will include top-ranked nations Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga, while the Bowl will see Fiji Bati, Papua New Guinea, and the Cook Islands competing.
The Bati will host the Kumuls at 8.10pm on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
