Michael Marum

Kumuls coach Michael Marum said they were in trouble after missing so many tackles early, allowing England to power home. Losing their skipper in the second minute also didn't help.

"It started off when we lost our captain David Mead through that first set," Marum said. 

The Kumuls looked to be tight-knit and were in good spirits during their training sessions throughout the week, frequently sharing jokes and laughter.

It is also a privilege for the code to bring the World Cup to PNG.

Marum said ever since he played for PNG, the country has always played away so to bring the RLWC matches to PNG, it means a lot to the fans and supporters out there.

The tournament is set from October 26-December 2 and will be co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and PNG.

PNG will host the Kumuls’ three pool matches at the National Football Stadium (NFS) against Wales (October 28), Ireland (November 5) and the USA (November 12).

The PNG Hunters had traveled to Piggabeen to the scene of their biggest ever loss, a heavy 64-28 defeat back in 2014.

That was the only time Tweed Heads had managed to defeat the Hunters in five encounters. However, the Seagulls came incredibly close to an upset back in Round 3 at the National Football Stadium, with only a late Noel Zeming conversion making the difference.

In recent weeks, the Hunters have returned to their bad old days in the competition where they struggle to win away from home.