Kumuls shrug off Aitu

The PNG Kumuls held off the fast-finishing Cook Islands Aitu with a 40-28 scoreline in week 2 of the Pacific Bowl Championship series on Saturday, 25th October 2025, at the packed Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

The Cook Islanders hit the scoreboard first in just under five minutes of play. The Kumuls hit back in the 13th minute. Aitu scored again in the 20th minute, and the Kumuls returned the favor, scoring 3 tries to take a 22-10 lead at the break.

The Kukis opened the scoring in the 52nd minute of the second half, and the Kumuls responded 4 minutes later. The visitors bagged another 4-pointer, and the home side answered back. In the last 10 minutes of the contest, Aitu registered a try to cause an upset, but the hosts scored an intercept try to ice the game. 

It was a seesawing affair, where both teams had equal possession and field territory to register tries. The close margin reflected the two teams’ performance, making use of every opportunity given to score points and dramatically end the match. 

PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou expressed disappointment, but he was happy with the result, crediting the players for getting the job done and heaping praise on the debutants who performed beyond expectations.

“I said to the players, I’m really happy any time they get to put the jersey on - it's a special moment, and to win is also a special moment. We want to enjoy it, but at the same time, we have to be better,” Demetriou said.

“The way we ended our sets, the field position that we turned the ball over, just puts ourselves under too much pressure at times, and it’s one of those things we spoke about to improve our attack during the PM’s XIII match. 

“There will be some things to work on throughout the week. Some of our boys haven’t had games for about six weeks, so they will be better next week. Overall, there were good signs. I’m really happy with our debutants. I thought they were all outstanding today.” 

Captain Rhyse Martin added: “I think our tackles were pretty good, but we didn’t complete our sets well. We didn’t build pressure in the second half, but we managed to win, so I’m happy. 

Coach Demetriou applauded the Cook Islands for putting up a spirited fight against the Kumuls, with the visitors giving the hosts a run for their money and competing until the full-time whistle.

The Kumuls’ mentor noted that they would work on the areas the Kumuls did not execute well against the Cook Islanders, and look forward to facing the red-hot Fiji Bati outfit, which will be a grudge match to decide the ultimate winner of the 2025 Pacific Bowl Championships.