🏉 Rugby league legend Steve Malum: The best Papua New Guinea player who never made the Kumuls

Steve Malum, a rugby league icon from Papua New Guinea, is widely regarded as the best player never to have represented the national team, the Kumuls. Now 70 years old, Malum's career peaked in the 1970s but was marred by injuries that kept him from joining the Kumuls during their crucial national duties in 1975, 1976, and 1977. He represented the country in the Pacific Cup in New Zealand in 1977, a rugby league tournament of Pacific teams.

🏝️ Originating from Siassi Island in Morobe, Malum began his rugby league journey in 1966 as a Grade 5 student in Rabaul. He made significant strides in his career, becoming a member of the Papua and New Guinea Schoolboys team that defeated New South Wales 3-0 in a series in Australia in 1971. His prowess on the field continued as he played for the New Guinea side against Papua in 1972, 1973, and 1974 while studying at the University of Technology in Lae. His talent even caught the attention of major NSW Rugby League teams, Balmain Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown, in the 1970s.

🏆 One of Malum's career highlights came in 1977 when he, despite having 15 stitches on his face, scored two tries for Kone Tigers, leading them to victory against John Wagambie’s Paga Panthers in the Port Moresby Rugby League grand final.

👟 After retiring in 1984, Malum dedicated himself to coaching and junior development, nurturing stars like James Segeyaro at the 2005 Under 16 World Cup in Russia and Justin Olam at Lae Snax Tigers, among many others. As he turns 71 this month, his passion for rugby league remains unwavering, marking over 50 years of dedication to the sport.

☕ Watch the full exclusive interview with Steve Malum as he shares his incredible journey, recorded at a coffee shop in Lae.