Leeds’ Rhyse Martin missed out on a world record but did help put Papua New Guinea firmly on course for a World Cup bash-up with England.
The Kumuls captain knew if he successfully converted his first attempt at goal on Tuesday night he’d be in the record books for successful consecutive shots. But after 41 goals in a row, gutted Martin was finally off target for the first time since July. Winger Rodrick Tai had earlier scorched 80m for a thrilling 14th minute try, his first Test score.
Cook Islands full-back Kayal Iro chased him down to the corner, though, to make the conversion attempt difficult for second-row Martin. Still, most importantly, the physical Kumuls took a huge step towards securing a likely quarter-final shot against Shaun Wane's England. If they beat winless Wales on Monday it should be enough.
Stand-off Kyle Laybutt shimmied over in the 17th minute. But Cook Islands hit back when PNG forward Mackenzie Yei was sin-binned for a high shot and Paul Ulberg finished a slick move. Steve Marsters added a conversion to his earlier penalty to leave them trailing just 10-8 at the break of a fearsome clash. But the Kumuls took charge within 65 seconds of the restart after Yei charged up field and Martin got over.
Tai, who only debuted in last week’s narrow loss to Tonga, grabbed his second before Lachlan Lam also scampered in. Cook Islands' ex-Warrington centre Anthony Gelling replied but Reuben Rennie was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, which gave space for Justin Olam to add a fifth PNG try. Martin slotted his fourth goal before Iro’s consolation try.
