Papua New Guinea's preparations for the 2013 World Cup have received a major boost with the appointment of Australian legend Mal Meninga to their coaching staff.
Mal Meninga: Five-year deal as performance director
Meninga has signed a five-year deal to become performance director for the Kumuls, who have been drawn alongside Samoa, France and defending champions New Zealand in Group B of the 14-team tournament to be held in the United Kingdom and France in the autumn.
The 52-year-old former Kangaroo will work alongside PNG coach Adrian Lam, combining his new role with that of coach of Queensland's State of Origin side.
Meninga has a long association with Papua New Guinea and has coached the Australian Prime Minister's XIII in its annual clash with the Kumuls since 2006.