Coach, squad gather

PAPUA New Guinea coach Michael Marum says his squad will be complete today after the last five players join their Prime Minister’s 13 squad.
David Mead, who is expected to be named captain at tomorrow’s team announcement, arrives from France while Sydney-based Lachlan Lam, Rhyse Martin and James Segeyaro as well as Melbourne’s Justin Olam step off the plane today, giving Marum one of the best line-ups he has held since he took over the coaching reigns in 2015.
Marum said the team had shown good form at training since the weekend and were also bonding well with new players Kyle Laybutt and Daniel Russell “getting on really well” with their teammates and saying they were keen to wear the national colours on Saturday.
Marum added that their approach to the shadow players was that they had given them time to consider their positions but both Jack de Belin and Alex Johnston, were unavailable because of differing reasons.
“Jack de Belin won’t be considered because he has an injured ankle and has been advised by his club to rest,” Marum said.
“We spoke to him and then to his manager and Jack was interested but unfortunately he won’t make it.
“He’s good mates with Nene and that’s how we got to know about his eligibility. He’s had a parent born here.”
Marum said South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston had other commitments.
“We tried to get Alex to play but he had other things to do.
“We reached out to him this time but maybe we shouldn’t have because last time he wasn’t interested.”
Marum’s possible line-up will most likely see a bench that has two small men creating more attacking options and direction in the ruck.
Possible PNG PM’s 13: 1. David Mead, 2. Edene Gabbie, 3. Daniel Russell, 4. Nene Macdonald, 5. Justin Olam, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Lachlan Lam, 8. Wellington Albert, 9. James Segeyaro, 10. Moses Meninga, 11. Nixon Put, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Stanton Albert; Interchange: 14. Enoch Maki, 15. Willie Minoga, 16. Watson Boas, 17. Tommy Butterfield, 18. Rhadley Brawa.