Derby day in Port Moresby as flyer targets NRL return

PNG Kumuls winger Robert Derby is hoping a strong campaign for his country will help set him up for another NRL opportunity next season.

Derby was a standout in the opening week of the Pacific Championships in PNG’s win over the Fiji Bati with the first try of the game, 297 run metres and five tackle breaks.

“It was unreal,” Derby said. “During the week, me and the boys were pretty adamant on proving to everyone that we are the stronger team.

“I know we were the underdogs there, a lot of things against us, but the boys got around each other all week and I guess we want to do that again this week - the closer we build our relationship as a team outside of the game, it definitely helps us during the game."

The Kumuls have been kept busy off the training field with a number of engagements, including a visit to Bogi, Lealea Village, home of squad member Morea Morea.

“We were away in Fiji, so we were in enemy territory, and I guess we couldn't have our home crowd there, so it's good now this week we come see these guys out in the village and then hope on Sunday there's a big turnout,” Derby said.

“Giving back to the community, I know it means so much to them that they get to see their players in person.”

Derby’s blockbusting display against the Bati had fans wondering why they had not seen more of him in the NRL this season, with the Port Moresby-born back spending most of this past year starring for the Northern Pride in his return from injury.

Making his NRL debut for the Cowboys in Round 13, 2023, the match went from his biggest career high to his biggest challenge, with a leg injury sustained in that game meaning it was his only top-grade appearance of the season.

After working his way back to fitness, Derby returned in the Hostplus Cup, and this year moved to the minor premiership winning Pride, scoring seven tries in eight games to help earn another call up to the Kumuls.

A win over Cook Islands in Port Moresby on Sunday would give the Kumuls a shot at promotion into the Pacific Cup in a play-off final against either Tonga or New Zealand.

“We want to win this weekend and then hopefully next weekend, get up a good game against Tonga or New Zealand, so that's what we're looking forward to,” Derby said.

“But first we need to beat Cook Island this week and later on I can worry about pre-season and getting back to the NRL.

“But that's my main focus at the moment.”

Beyond the Pacific Championships campaign, Derby has his focus on completing a strong pre-season to push his way back into NRL contention for the 2025 season.

“That's always the goal,” Derby said. “I've had a pretty rough year, battled a few injuries, but I think it's for me, it's been a blessing in disguise.

“It's definitely shown me bits about myself that I didn't know before. But all I want to do is work hard.

“I know going back to pre-season, I have got to earn that spot, our coach told us it wasn't given to any of us.

“It's a clean slate and it didn't matter, experience or anything previously, so I'm looking forward to just completing this campaign on a high.

“I guess (playing for the Kumuls) is a huge stage for me and showcasing my skills, but at the end of the day, I have still got to get through that pre-season and for me that's the big thing.

“But I’m going to play for my country and I'm going to focus on that at the moment.

“You don't ever expect things to be given to you and I think in the last pre-season I was a bit complacent in worrying about other people and worrying about how that affects my footy and my game and I think that showed throigh.

“I did have a bit of a rough year… it definitely affects your mental health (but) this year, I feel completely fresh, I feel like I'm on a different slate and I'm just keen to go back and rip in.”