It is a momentous occasion across the board for any Papua New Guinean rugby league fan and the next step is complete, with the newest Queensland Cup side naming their coach for the competition – one Michael Marum.
Sandis Tsaka, PNG’s Rugby League Football Deputy Chairman, said that the appointment of Marum means the coach has full control and leeway of the PNG franchise.
Tsaka’s insistence that Marum would call the shots sees the coach making all the decisions and that when it comes to any matters, back-room staff and other figures have to respect the judgements made by Marum on the team.
For Marum himself, whilst he is aware that the role is a big challenge for him personally, it is one that he looks forward to.
“It was a big challenge for me,” said Marum.
Brad Tassell, who is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the PNGRFL, says that Marum is the right man for the job over the next three years.
“This is a momentous announcement,†said Tassell.
“Michael (Marum) is without doubt the right man to get the best out of the players. He also has a very strong support network around him to ensure he is given the best possible chance to be successful, which I have no doubt, he will be.â€
Marum is no stranger to coaching, having been involved with it since 2001 and guiding the Rabaul Gurias to Digicel Cup Premierships as well as assisting PNG World Cup coach Adrian Lam as an assistant in both 2008 and the recent World Cup.