Kumuls playing on passion

Halifax forward Makali Aizue is hoping Papua New Guinea's fierce passion for rugby league will see them to victory against England.

Pride at stake at Eden Park

Halifax forward Makali Aizue is hoping Papua New Guinea's fierce passion for rugby league will see them to victory against England in Auckland on Saturday. With both sides winless after two games apiece, just the Four Nations Wooden Spoon is at stake at Eden Park, but the Kumuls are determined to restore their pride at the expense of England. "We'll be giving everything on Saturday," said Aizue. "They haven't won a game and neither have we. "It's our national sport, it's our pride and joy. We play with lots of passion. "We play for the Kumuls jumper. We don't care about the money. Once you wear the jumper, it changes your life, you get respect." New PNG coach Stanley Gene was forced to put together a patched-up squad after losing the bulk of the country's NRL stars through internal squabbling. Several players had never been out of their country before the start of the tour and some do not speak English but Aizue, who has just signed a new two-year contract with Halifax, believes the experience will stand them in good stead for the future.