PNG vs Cook Islands Tips & Preview - Kumuls to claim big Pacific Championships victory
In the upcoming Pacific Championships, the PNG Kumuls are anticipated to secure a convincing victory over the Cook Islands Aitu. Historically, PNG has a strong track record against the Cook Islands, winning all previous eight encounters. Key player Nene Macdonald is expected to contribute significantly, with predictions of him scoring at least one try. The Kumuls' strong form, showcased in recent performances, positions them as favorites with expectations of scoring over 34.5 points and covering a 16.5-point handicap.
- PNG vs Cook Islands predictions for Saturday’s Pacific Championships game
- Kumuls have historically dominated Aitu
- PNG to score over 34.5 points, covering a 16.5-point handicap
- PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu Preview
- Head to Head
- PNG Kumuls Form
- PNG Kumuls Team News
- PNG Kumuls Team List
- Cook Islands Aitu Form
- Cook Islands Team News
- Cook Islands Team List
PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu Preview
PNG enter the fray in the Pacific Championships and should put up a big win against the Cook Islands. The Aitu struggled against Fiji last week and PNG are value to cover a big line of 16.5 points.
- Papua New Guinea have beaten the Cook Islands by 16 points or more in their last 3 matches, dating back to the 2022 World Cup.
- Papua New Guinea have scored 32 points or more in all 8 matches played against the Cook Islands.
- The Cook Islands have conceded 42 points or more in their 4 of 5 matches played in the Pacific Championships since 2023.
- Nene Macdonald leads PNG with 14 tries, the most of any player in the nation’s history at senior level.
Head to Head
PNG and the Cook Islands have played each other eight times since 1997 with the Kumuls winning each and every contest.
In 2024, PNG ran away with the match in the second half after leading just 16-14 at half time, kicking on to a 42-20 victory with Nene Macdonald scoring a double.
PNG Kumuls Form
If the Prime Minister Xlll is anything to go by, PNG look to have made another strong leap this year, going down to the Australian Xlll 28-10.
It will be a very similar side for the Kumuls, who used the PM’s Xll feature as a solid warm up for the Pacific Championships, making just a few changes to their starting 17 that will only boost their performance.
In 2024, the Kumuls were the sharpest of the Pacific Bowl teams winning both of their fixtures and getting a shot at New Zealand for promotion, which obviously didn’t go as planned.
Nenne Macdonald continued to be PNG’s most prolific try scorer crossing the line three times in the 2024 tournament and taking his international tally to 14 tries, the most of any for his country.
PNG Kumuls Team News
South flyer Alex Johnston finds himself on the wing with Morea Morea claiming the No. 1 for the Kumuls. Robert Derby’s fine season has handed him a wing spot with Zac Laybutt and Dudley Dodoi in the centres.
Jack de Belin has been shifted from lock and into the front row with Liam Horne taking the No. 13.
Super League star Lachlan Lam will be joined in the halves by Queensland Cup gun Gairo Voro.
PNG Kumuls Team List
1. Morea Morea
2. Robert Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Nene McDonald
5. Alex Johnston
6. Gairo Voro
7. Lachlan Lam
8. Epel Kapinias
9. Edwin Ipape
10. Jack de Belin
11. Rhyse Martin
12. Nixon Putt
13. Liam Horne
Interchange
14. Finley Glare
15. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
16. Cooper Bai
17. Sylvester Namo
Reserves
18. Robert Mathias
19. Dudley Dotoi
20. Valentine Richard
Cook Islands Aitu Form
The Cook Islands were beaten early by Fiji in the opening match of the tournament last Saturday. Their inability to contain the Bati fullback Jahream Bula, who crossed the line 4 times in the first half, put the game out of contention for the Aitu, who eventually went down 44-24.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Cook Islands though, controlling the territory battle 56%-44% against Fiji and also had more cracks at their line with 41 tackles inside their opposition 20m.
But that is where the most evident problem arose, failing to create danger for their opposing defensive line, with a very flat and one-out type of attack.
The Cook Islands managed three tries in the second half, however, the match was already done and dusted.
Cook Islands Team News
Esan Marsters has been named at fullback again this week with Caelys-Paul Putoko named to start at five-eighth with Brad Takairangi out injured.
Delahia Wigmore has been promoted to the bench with Brody Tamarua dropping out,
Cook Islands Team List
1. Esan Marsters
2. Paul Ulberg
3. KL Iro
4. Reubenn Rennie
5. Esom Ioka
6. Caelys-Paul Putoko
7. Cassius Cowley
8. Makahesi Makatoa
9. Mason Teague
10. Tepai Moeroa
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati
Interchange
14. Ruatapu Ngatikaura
15. Rhys Dakin
18. Delahia Wigmore
20. Justin Makirere
Reserves
19. Teapo Stoltman
Verdict
PNG should be runaway winners covering the 16.5 points as the favourite and scoring over 34.5 points. Expect Nene Macdonald for a try, even the first and also a double.
PNG -16.5
Handicap/Line
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PNG Over 34.5
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Nene Macdonald
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