Papua New Guinea appoint new head coach ahead of World Cup

Papua New Guinea have appointed their new head coach ahead of the World Cup in the shape of Stanley Tepend, who succeeds Michael Marum.

Tepend has been assistant coach to Marum, who resigned last month, for the last six years. He will get his first chance to lead the Kumuls as a head coach at a World Cup later this year.

NRL Premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan has been appointed as PNG’s coaching consultant. Flanagan, who is currently assistant coach at NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons, will assist Tepend.

Flanagan said: “I’m really excited about it. I think I can help the PNG team.

“There is a test match in Fiji soon leading into the World Cup. I’m there to help and give advice.

“PNG have got a good footy team. I know how passionate PNG people are about rugby league in general, so I’m really excited about being involved in all of that.”

Stanley Tepend excited to lead Papua New Guinea at World Cup

Tepend is a six-time Premiership winner with the Lae Snax Tigers in the PNG National Competition. He is currently assistant coach of the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup.

He said: “A lot has happened over the last few months. Being part of the coaching staff at the Hunters was a highlight for me to have been given the opportunity to assist and also learn as well at this level.

“Now to be given this opportunity… I am really humbled and hank the Lord for his timing and allowing this to happen.

“I’m excited to take this challenge. I am grateful to coach Michael (Marum) for initially having me as part of his Kumuls staff over the last six years. My journey to have some success with the team will always stay with me. Now I look forward to carrying that on as coach.”

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