The PNG LNG Kumuls have named 24 men squad to the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England next month.
Kumuls head coach Stanley Tepend said the 24 players named are picked on merit and will be possibly captained by Rhyse Martin.
“Everyone picked deserves to be here in the team so we are pretty confident to make it into the finals. We picked the 24 players to the best that we can considering injuries. Rhyse Martin would be the obvious choice to lead the team, he has done well in the past,” Tepend said.
He further added that players like Wartovo Puara Junior could not make the team due to injury he sustained during the recent PMs 13 in Australia.
Coach Tepend was also queried regarding the exclusion of 2022 Hosplus Cup premiership and Pacific test stelar performing Kumuls hooker Liam Horne. However, Tepend said the team is based on experience.
“Why Liam Horne is left out is because the side is picked on experience.” Tepend also said the door is not closed for James Segeyaro who have contributed to PNG Kumuls in the past to make the team in the future.
Tepend is looking at working around the experience of Justine Olam, Xavier Coats, Alex Johnston, Rhyse Martin and Watson Boas as PNG get under preparation.
PNG Kumuls tentative date to leave PNG is on Thursday October 6, 2022 and will test the might of Tonga on October 19, 2022 for their opening World Cup campaign at Totally Wiked Stadium followed by Cook Islands on October 26.
PNG KUMULS Team:
Wellington Albert, Jacob Alick, Kevin Appo, Xavier Coates Edene Gebbie Edwin Iapape, Zev John, Alex Johnston, Locchlan Lam Kyle Laybutt, Nene McDonald, Rhyse Martin, Sylvester Namo, Jimmy Ngutlik Justine Olam, Nixon Putt, Daniel Russell, Jeremiah Simbiken, Rodrick Tai Sherwine Tanabi, Wesser Tenza, Emmanuel Waine and McKenzie Yei.
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I have full trust and confident with coach and the players selection.