Papua New Guinea, who will host a group in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, were the big winners after the Pacific Test, moving up three places to eleventh in the new world rankings.
The Kumuls beat seventh-ranked Fiji 24-22 and the impact has been highly significant according to PNG chairman, Sandis Tsaka.
Going into the 2000 World Cup, PNG was ranked in fourth place behind heavyweights Australia, New Zealand and England. However, since then had dropped to 14th place in 2015.
The win against Fiji last month was PNGs first in an overseas match in 16 years and followed a home win over Tonga in 2014, and a close loss to the Batis in 2015.
The strengthening and growth of domestic rugby league programmes, and the introduction of the SP Hunters into the Intrust Queensland Cup three years ago, has opened up international pathways for more elite players. The growth and success of such initiatives will make PNG more competitive in international rugby league.
PNGRFL will seek to engage in more international and Test matches, as a lead up to the 2017 World Cup, to help prepare and build a good quality and competitive Kumul team for the tournament.
Source: International Rugby League
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