PNG Kumuls Dominate Lebanon 42-18 in World Cup Opener

 Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls opened their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Lebanon 42-18 at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.

The home side delivered a powerful attacking performance, crossing for seven tries and converting every attempt to secure a convincing 24-point victory. Lebanon managed three tries and three successful conversions but could not match PNG’s scoring power.

PNG Kumuls Dominate Lebanon 42-18 in World Cup Opener/Photo by PNG Kumuls Offficial

The Kumuls took an 18-12 lead into half-time before strengthening their advantage in the second half, finishing the match with seven tries against the Cedars’ three.

Gairo Voro opened the scoring in the seventh minute, followed by Robert Derby in the 19th. Nixon Putt crossed in the 30th minute before Finley Glare added another in the 42nd.

Epel Kapinias scored in the 47th minute, while Rhys Martin crossed in the 71st and Bailey Biondi-Odo completed PNG’s scoring in the 74th minute.

Martin converted all seven tries, contributing 14 points through successful kicks in the eighth, 21st, 31st, 43rd, 49th, 72nd and 74th minutes.

Lebanon’s tries came through Abbas Miski in the 35th and 53rd minutes and Tony Sukkar in the 39th. Alex Conti successfully converted all three.

The result gives PNG an encouraging start to the tournament as the Kumuls look to build on their opening performance in front of home supporters.

FULL-TIME STATISTICS: PNG Kumuls 42 — 7 tries, 7 conversions; Lebanon Cedars 18 — 3 tries, 3 conversions.  Half-time: PNG 18-12 Lebanon.