The Bulldogs would like to offer their sincere condolences after the passing of Papua New Guinean International Bal Numapo.
Numapo aged 57 from Ogel village in the Sinesine Yongumul District in Simbu Province died following a severe stroke at 10.00am last Saturday August 1, 2020 in Kundiawa.
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said Bal Numapo debuted as PNG Kumul No. 85 against Great Britain on August 5, 1984 against Great Britain in Mt Hagen as a centre. He went on to represent PNG on 14 more occasions scoring four tries, kicking 18 goals and a field goal.
“Players like (late) Bob Tollick, Gesau Gebob, Robert Jakis, Robert Kubak and Pora Wek also debuted alongside Numapo in this game,” Tsaka said. “Higher representative honours came when he and Dairi Kovae were selected in the Rest of the World team that played Australia in 1988,” Tsaka said. “Rest of the World team comprised of the best players from Test league nations England, New Zealand and France.”
The following year Numapo secured a one year contract with NRL club Canterbury Bulldogs and played one First grade and two Lower Grade games: “He was an icon in the rugby league world during the 1980s and 90s, a perfect role model balancing education and rugby league and a dedicated public servant following his retirement from the greatest game of all,” Tsaka said.
