Albert set to take on Hunters in pre-season clash

 By JACK AMI

PAPUA New Guinea Kumul Wellington Albert is confirmed to line up with the Penrith Panthers side to play the PNG Hunters on February 6 in Port Moresby.

The trial match will be played at the new National Football Stadium, formerly Lloyd Robson Oval), 4-Mile. 

The 23-year-old was named with current Panthers National Rugby League captain Jamie Soward as well as first grade squad members Brent Naden, Andy Saunders, Josh Hall and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak in a side that will be a mixture of Panthers first graders, NSW Cup players and U20s.

The inclusion of Soward shows the Panthers are keen on running the veteran half against quality opposition before the seasons other warm-up fixtures. 

Albert’s brother Stanton, 20, is recovering from a knee operation and will miss the game. 

The senior Albert represented PNG at the 2013 World Cup and was part of the Hunters inaugural squad in 2015 before leaving to join the Panthers. 

The 193cm, 113kg utility has yet to break into first grade but will continue with the Panthers for his side season. 

He plays for the Panthers NSW Cup side. Panthers coach Anthony Griffin said the club would split its first grade squad between the match against the Hunters and the Auckland 9s which are on the same weekend. 

This is second star studded side that will take on the Hunters in a historic encounter in Port Moresby.

The final team to play the Hunters show will be released soon.