Coates, Gebbie ruled out

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls flyers Edene Gebbie and Xavier Coates have been ruled for the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup due to injury, with coach Stanley Tepend calling it “devastating” news.
“To have a players go down in any squad is devastating news for any coach,” he said.
“Having received the results from the MRI scans, a decision has been made that is in the best interest of the injured players, that they return home to start their rehabilitation.
“At this point, no decision has been made on replacement players coming into the squad.”
It was a major blow to Melbourne Storm winger Coates, who has been so confident in the Kumuls camp to lead the side deep into the finals.
He suffered a non-contact hamstring injury hours before the Group D opening match against Tonga last Wednesday which the Kumuls lost 18-24.
Gebbie suffered a complex injury to his groin and pelvis which affected him.
He was unable to progress conservatively through stages of returning and will require an extended period to recover.
He arrived in Port Moresby on Saturday morning while Coates returned to Australia.
Both wingers have not played in a World Cup in their careers.
The injuries were not only a blow for the Kumuls fans and the team but also to the duo who had their World Cup dreams crushed.
Tepend said the injuries were unfortunate news for the team.
But it was in the best interest of the players that they should start their rehabilitation process now.
Despite the loss of the two stars, the Kumuls put on a good performance against Tonga with Daniel Russell and Roderick Tai having a run on the wings.
A last-minute try by Keaon Koloamatangi saved the Tongans at Totally Wicked Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Kumuls will face the Cook Islands in round two of the Group D match at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow (4.30am kick-off).