Sport: Michael Marum keen to hold onto PNG Kumuls job

12:53 pm on 11 March 2016

Papua New Guinea rugby league coach Michael Marum hopes to be more than a one-hit wonder.

The PNG Hunters mentor was appointed Kumuls coach last month for May's Pacific Test against Fiji, after spending eight years as an assistant with the national team.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Bob Cutmore, said Marum has the inside running to secure the role permanently if he impresses and presents a strong vision going forward.

Marum said he's definitely keen to stick around.

"It's an honour to coach the national side. Test matches don't come very often but to take control of the team for the Fiji test match is going to be tough but it's something I'm looking forward to, the challenge. If I [stay in charge] up until 2017/18, I have to start somewhere and I hope we do well and I get to coach the side for one or two more games."

Michael Marum said he's confident he can juggle the demands of both the PNG Hunters and Kumuls jobs and would love the opportunity to coach PNG on home soil during next year's Rugby League World Cup.

PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum.

Michael Marum will combine the PNG Hunters and Kumuls coaching roles. Photo: Supplied