Lam - Aussie thrashing spurred us on
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea face a tough test in the World Cup's 'Group of Death' but they field a strong side for their 2000 bid.
Led by the immensely talented Wigan-bound number seven Adrian Lam the 'Kumuls' will be looking to improve on their '95 record where they returned home without recording a victory.
The mercurial Lam is the creative force behind Bob Bennett's side and their fortunes are likely to rest on whether he can display the sensational form that's turned him into one of the NRL's top stars.
Lam is joined by Melbourne Storm's electric winger Marcus Bai, scorer of 13 tries in the NRL this season, and the Kumuls' Australian connection are a danger to any defence.
Players far more familiar to the British public also feature in their bid, including ex-Wakefield Trinity Alf Songoro, effective anywhere in the three-quarter line and Hull half-back Stanley Gene whose domestic experience may prove invaluable.
For all their ability, the Kummuls are undoubtedly a 'confidence' team and their progress in the tournament may depend largely on the first match, against France in Paris.
Lose and morale may be sapped to such an extent they might struggle to gain even a point.
But win or lose, rugby league will remain the national sport of Papua New Guinea and Bennett's fiery, passionate squad is full of tough-tackling firebrands who refuse to take a backward step - a bold show can be expected.