PNG take positives from narrow defeat as Martin equals world record

Papua New Guinea put the World Cup on notice by pushing highly touted Mate Ma’a Tonga all the way in an eventual 24-18 loss on Wednesday morning, with veteran forward Rhyse Martin among the Kumuls’ stars as he kicked his way into the record books.  

PNG were on the verge of causing the tournament’s first upset when they headed into the final five minutes tied 18-all with world No.2 ranked Tonga, only to have their hearts broken by a Keaon Koloamatangi try three minutes from full time.

With his side left to rue three missed scoring chances – in which Edwin Ipape dropped the ball over the line and both Dan Russell and Rodrick Tai had tries ruled out by the video referee – Martin was looking on the bright side after the match.  

“Couldn’t be prouder of my teammates and the way we showed up and played tonight,” Martin said.

“I think we’ve just shown that [we can compete with the best] in that 80 minutes. To not get the win tonight comes down to a few little things during that game.

Teams have to get up for the Kumuls, because if we keep playing like that we are going to be hard to beat.

Rhyse Martin

Martin scored a try and converted three from three for his side, with his final kick to put PNG even with Tonga being his 41st successful conversion in a row, equaling the world record streak held by Jamie Ellis and Liam Finn.

The Leeds forward, who played 25 NRL games for the Bulldogs between 2018-2019, said while he knew the record was approaching after he landed his last 38 at club level prior to the World Cup, he tried not to think about it.  

“I did have it in my mind, but it’s my job, whether I missed [the previous one] or not I need to get that goal kick,” Martin said.

“I kind of lost count a little bit and couldn’t remember how many I already kicked.

“To get 41 is a great achievement and I’ll probably reflect on that later on.

“I try not to let the pressure overwhelm me because when that happens you tend to shank them a bit.”

Prolific Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston, who couldn’t help but have a cheeky dig at his teammate’s achievement, telling media “lucky they don’t count training kicks”, said despite the game ending in a loss, it was one of the best performances he has been involved in as a Kumul.  

“We came here on a mission to show that the Kumuls are rising, and even in this loss we showed that,” Johnston said.

“I have been a part of some great wins… that’s definitely up there at the top today.”

Meanwhile Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Tepend said he was unsure if winger Xavier Coates would be available for his side’s second match of the tournament against Cook Islands, after the Storm flyer suffered a leg injury in the team’s final session before the Tonga match.