Adrian Lam makes bold Papua New Guinea prediction as Kumuls set for star-studded squad

Papua New Guinea icon Adrian Lam believes the Kumuls are stronger now than ever, and has backed them to become a top four nation in the coming years.

Papua New Guinea won the Pacific Bowl last autumn and will be one of the favourites to claim the Bowl this autumn, with the likes of Rhyse Martin, Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape and Xavier Coates likely to be on show.

And the Kumuls have recently announced the appointment of former South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Jason Demetriou as their new head coach heading into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup: with some games of that tournament being held in the nation.

Lam, who is currently coaching Leigh Leopards in Super League, says he is proud to see the Kumuls rising up on the international stage.

“I remember being invited with Mal Meninga in 2011, 2012 and the 2013 World Cup when we drove the license to get the Q Cup side PNG Hunters in the Queensland competition and ever since that moment I think things have changed and are heading in the right direction,” Lam said in his weekly press conference.

“You’ve got PNG players playing right across the world in every club, they’ll be favourites to win this Pacific Championships at the end of the year again which they won last year, and I think over the next 10 years they could be a massive success in international rugby league: and I’m talking top four, even higher, if they can get it right.”

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Lam believes Papua New Guinea’s bid to become the 18th team in the NRL would only benefit the game: and rugby league in the nation.

“I don’t really know Jason well enough but I do know that with the NRL bid going towards Papua New Guinea, it’s just exciting what lies ahead there for the country,” Lam said.

“If it’s true that’s there’s been government funding that’s been approved for the country, over $600million, so I think Papua New Guinea should be really excited about what’s ahead for them and with this NRL bid potentially being one of the licenses in 2028, it’s only good times ahead for PNG which they deserve.

“They’re the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport, so it’s pretty exciting times ahead there.”

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