At 71 years old, Steve Malum remains one of the greatest names in Papua New Guinea rugby league history. Widely regarded as the best player never to have donned the national Kumul jersey, his story is one of brilliance, heartbreak, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
A Journey from Siassi Island to Rugby Greatness
Born in July 1953 at Malahang in Lae, Malum's journey began on Siassi Island in Morobe Province. His early years were spent between the island and Rabaul, where his father worked in the bakery business. It was in Rabaul, as a Grade 5 student in 1966, that he first picked up a rugby ball, unknowingly setting the foundation for a remarkable career.
From a young age, Malum showed signs of greatness. At Rabaul International High School, he excelled not just in rugby league but in multiple sports, including cricket and basketball. His leadership qualities became evident when he captained the Territory of Papua and New Guinea Schoolboys team to a historic 3-0 series victory over New South Wales in 1971—a feat that placed him on the national radar.
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| Steve Malum |
His formative years in sport were shaped by the multi-racial environment of Rabaul, where he was exposed to different styles of play and competitive sports. He idolised legendary players such as Kavora Posu, Benson Rapila, and Julius Manoa, whose performances on the field inspired him to pursue excellence. His journey into rugby league saw him transition from schoolboy tournaments to major club competitions, with his first significant milestone coming in 1967 when he played in the under-five stone weight division in Rabaul.
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| An Australian newspaper cutting of the of the victorious Territory of Papua and New Guinea team of 1971. |
The Near-Misses and Triumphs
Despite his undeniable talent, Malum’s path to the national team was repeatedly obstructed by injury. In 1975, when Papua New Guinea formed its first-ever Kumul squad, he was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Again in 1976 and 1977, misfortune struck, keeping him from international tours. But Malum's resilience never wavered. He represented Papua New Guinea at the Pacific Cup in New Zealand in 1977, proving his mettle against the best from the Pacific region.
One of his most legendary moments came that same year when he captained Kone Tigers in the Port Moresby Rugby League Grand Final. Despite playing with 15 stitches on his face—five on his nose, five above his eye, and five on his cheek—he scored two tries, leading his team to a stunning victory over John Wagambie’s Paga Panthers. Reflecting on the moment, Malum said, “I went back with 15 stitches and I still scored two tries and we ended up being winners in 1977.”
During his university years at the University of Technology in Lae, Malum’s performances in inter-territorial matches between Papua and New Guinea caught the attention of top rugby league teams. He played for the New Guinea side against Papua in 1972, 1973, and 1974. His ability on the field was so impressive that scouts from the Balmain Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs offered him opportunities to play in New South Wales Rugby League. Unfortunately, due to lack of professional representation and communication barriers at the time, these opportunities slipped away. “I was the first one to be offered an opportunity to go to play in New South Wales League,” he recalled. “Somehow that didn’t go through simply because we didn’t have the contacts.”
A Life Dedicated to the Next Generation
After retiring in 1984, Malum's commitment to rugby league did not end. Instead, he turned his focus to coaching and junior development, a role that would prove just as impactful as his playing days. He began coaching Magani in 1985, where he mentored young players, including Anderson Agiru and Isaac Lupari. He later returned to Kone Tigers, where he coached a new generation of rugby league stars such as Kelly Naru and Leslie Hoffman.
His work extended beyond club teams. He served as a coach for the Port Moresby Vipers in 1996 and 1997, leading them through the challenging North Queensland statewide competition during the Super League war era. In 1998, he took over the Lae Bombers, and by 2005, he was appointed development officer for Papua New Guinea Rugby League. Under his leadership, he coached the national Under-16 team to a third-place finish at the 2005 Under-16 World Cup in Russia, a tournament that featured future stars like James Segeyaro and Mark Mexico. “We came third,” he recalled, “Australia came first, France came second, we came third, and Russia came fourth.”
His influence continued into the semi-professional era, where he played a key role in Lae Snax Tigers’ development program. Between 2011 and 2012, he coached the Tigers, paving the way for young talents such as Justin Olam to rise through the ranks. His efforts in youth development transformed PNG rugby league, setting up pathways for players to transition from local leagues to the international stage.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Now at 71, Malum’s love for rugby league remains as strong as ever. He continues to advocate for the sport’s development, urging administrators to tap into the knowledge and experience of seasoned rugby minds. With 50 years of involvement in the game, he is a living history book of PNG rugby league—one who has seen its transformation from amateur competition to a professional pathway for young athletes.
In reflecting on the state of modern rugby league, Malum believes that while the sport has become more professional, it has lost some of the camaraderie and respect that defined his playing days. “There was a lot of camaraderie,” he said. “In the field, you’re enemies. Outside the field, you’re mates. Whereas now, it’s so different. People hate each other.” He urges young players to embrace discipline and professionalism, reminding them that rugby league is no longer just a sport—it is an industry that can change lives.
Steve Malum may never have officially worn the Kumul jersey, but his impact on Papua New Guinea rugby league is undeniable. His story is a reminder that greatness isn’t just about selection, but about passion, resilience, and the ability to inspire those who follow. He remains, unquestionably, one of the finest players to have graced the game, a mentor to many, and a legend whose legacy will live on for generations to come.
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