Stargroth leads Kumuls over Cook Islands

Embed from Getty Images

Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands

A double from Stargroth Amean helped Papua New Guinea Kumuls to a 32-22 victory over Cook Islands in the first of two pacific tests this afternoon.

Papua New Guinea warmed up for the Rugby League World Cup later this year with a comfortable victory over a gallant Cook Islands side. It was a three try glut right after the break which broke the backs of the Cookies. 

In the first half though, it was a much tighter contest. PNG put on the first two tries of the contest - Adex Wera from a Justin Olam flick before Wartovo Puara just trucked himself towards the try-line for a 12-nil lead. 

Cook Islands after some early jitters worked into the contest and on the scoreboard, twice late in the first half. Geoff Daniela finished off a lovely counter attack then Kobe Tararo laid on a brilliant pass for Uiti Baker to lock it up at 12-all going into the break. 

The Kumuls were more solid through their work, completing sets and putting pressure on the Cookies back three. It paid dividends right after the break when Stargroth Amean turned starman with two tries to keep the Cookies at arms length - the first was a determined effort and the second was a clockwork backline play to earn him man of the match honours. 

The Cook Islanders wouldn't falter though, as they pegged the Kumuls back right when Geoff Daniela was fortunate to get his second but despite a late four-pointer to youngster Esan Marsters it was all the Kumuls in the second half. 

When they wanted to, the Kumuls busted through the line  with ease and provided the crowd that turned up for the first of the triple header with some good excitement as they ran out deserved 32-22 victors.