PNG Kumuls assistant coach Paul Aiton has said that the team is focused on refining its performance from last week as it prepares to face Samoa this weekend.

At today's Post match press conference at the Santos National Football Stadium, Aiton said, with limited time together in camp, the preparation had been short and at times “a little bit scrappy”, but the squad was working to sharpen the details ahead of the match.

“We’re just sharpening up what we did in the last match,” he said.

Aiton confirmed there were no changes to the lineup planned at this stage. He also praised the growth of several players who have returned to the Kumuls after playing overseas, including Gairo Voro, Finley Glare, and Morea Morea.

“It’s really nice to see them grow. They’ve gone to the [overseas competition] and grown to another level,” Aiton said, pointing to their recent grand final success in London.

Zac Laybutt said the squad was gelling well, with players coming together from Papua New Guinea, Australia and England. He also welcomed the cultural connection between the two teams, and the warm reception Samoa had received in PNG.

“PNG loves the Samoans and loves every country that comes here,” Laybutt said. “I love coming over here. I love the people and the culture."

Laybutt said the heat had not been a major adjustment after training in similarly hot conditions in Townsville, and that he was looking forward to the match.

Asked about a teammate’s ability to handle the occasion, Laybutt said he expected the big stage to bring out his best.

“I’ve never seen him go down. I’ve only seen him rise to the occasion and go beyond,” he said.

Aiton described the fixture as a significant one, with strong interest surrounding the matchup. The Kumuls will look to carry their momentum from last week’s win into the weekend’s game against Samoa.