Gene staying upbeat

Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Gene heaped praise on the commitment of his side despite their crushing defeat to Australia

Papua New Guinea take positives from defeat to Australia

Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Gene heaped praise on the commitment of his side despite their crushing defeat to Australia. Coming into the Four Nations clash as huge underdogs, the Kumuls crashed to a 42-0 loss but made an impact with their aggressive and hard-hitting play. And former Hull KR favourite Gene believes that there were plenty of positives for his side to take out of the contest. "Our boys gave 200 per cent and I think the Australians will still be feeling some of the hits the boys put on them," he said. "We kept them scoreless for a 30-minute period which is a real positive - not many other nations could say they have done that." Meanwhile, Gene has been allowed to replace back-row forward Sigfred Gande, who has picked up a groin injury, with James Nightingale as an application was made before the start of the competition. Full-back Ryan Tongia has been given a caution for using his knees on centre Brent Tate during the clash with Australia. The Kumuls will take on New Zealand in Rotorua on Saturday.