Captain Rhyse Martin scored and converted all seven of his kicks as Papua New Guinea began their World Cup campaign with a 42-18 victory over Lebanon.
Martin also made 31 tackles in front of a passionate crowd in Port Moresby.
The result may sharpen interest in PNG's local players ahead of the Chiefs joining the competition in 2028.
Lebanon, featuring Jacob Kiraz and Alex Twal, stayed in contention until the Kumuls pulled away late.
PNG struck first when five-eighth Gairo Voro gathered a loose ball after Jason Saab's knock-on and raced 60 metres to score.
Winger Rob Derby added another, finishing a cut-out pass from fullback Morea Morea.
Nixon Putt's try put the hosts 18-0 ahead, but Lebanon scored twice late in the first half to trail by six at the break.
The Kumuls then scored four tries to Lebanon's one in the second half to secure the win.