The PNG Junior Kumuls are ready to face the Australian Schoolboys tomorrow, with head coach Joe Grima confident his young side can compete for the full 60 minutes.

The Junior Kumuls will take on the Australian Schoolboys at 10:30am at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby in the 2026 Prime Minister’s XIII.

Grima said the team has had a demanding week of preparation, with the coaching staff carefully balancing training sessions with recovery.

He said the players have worked hard and built strong connections throughout the week, despite coming from different regions of Papua New Guinea and Australia.

“It’s been a really connecting week with the boys,” Grima said.

The coach said the Junior Kumuls are also aware of the challenge presented by the Australian Schoolboys, but will look to play their own game and remain disciplined.

Grima identified discipline when coming out of their own end as one area the team must improve if they are to remain competitive.

He said the Junior Kumuls need to avoid unnecessary risks and maintain their composure with the ball.

“If we can compete and play to the 60th minute and be a little bit more disciplined when we’ve got the ball coming out of our end, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

Grima acknowledged Australia’s strength and resources but said the Junior Kumuls will not be intimidated by their opponents.

The coach said playing in Port Moresby could also provide an advantage, with the local players familiar with the heat, humidity and conditions at Santos National Football Stadium.

The Junior Kumuls have fallen short against the Australian Schoolboys in their previous meetings, and Grima said Saturday presents another opportunity for the young side to test itself against one of the strongest schoolboy rugby league systems.

The match kicks off at 10:30am, following the Junior Orchids’ clash against the Australian Schoolgirls at 9am.