By CHARLIE DUMAVI
PNG Kumuls prop Wellington Albert shuts down the talk around how Kumuls squad are going to handle the bulky Fiji Bati forwards this Sunday.
The London Broncos and PNG Kumuls prop said PNG boys are comfortably in camp without worrying about how they are going to put up against the Bati boys who brutalised the Cook Islands last Sunday.
Fijians are strong rugby league players who play in the National Rugby League (NRL) clubs in Australia, however, Wellington said PNG boys are always stronger when they put on the Kumuls jersey.
“They got big boys, and we got big boys as well,” he said.
“Fijians are big and strong, and we also have big and strong boys in camp.
“They all come from NRL clubs unlike us, but we always wear the PNG Kumuls jersey with pride so we’ll see on Sunday.”
Standing at 194cm tall, the Mendi born prop who was out of PNG since 2019 could not be bordered but is looking forward to represent his people and country in front of the home crowd.
“It’s been four years since I left and did not come back home, so, it is good to be back home and see all the families, fans and even some of my team mate (Kumuls) who did not make it to the Word Cup last year.
“It is good to be back home and I can’t wait to play in front of all the fans,” Wellington said.
PNG Kumuls and Fiji Bati are known to be Pacific Island best rivals when it comes to rugby league and it will be a battle of pride when they face each other on Sunday October 29, 2023.
Fiji Bati will have the big names in the NRL like Tui Kamikamica alongside Watisoni Waqanisaravi, Gordon Whippi and Taane Milne leading the forward pack.
PNG Kumuls forward pack will miss McKenzie Yei due to injuries, however, Dan Russel, Nixon Putt, Epel Kapinias, Jack De Beline Valentine Richard, Kevin Appo and Rhyse Martin are all in camp.
PNG head Coach Justine Holbrook is happy to have the boys flying in from England and he said to definitely give them a run this Sunday.
