Duo to debut for PNG

RABBITOHS speedster Alex Johnston and Daniel Russell are set to debut in the Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls’ Oceania Cup clash with Fiji in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday (3.20pm kick-off, PNG time).
Edene Gebbie, Terry Wapi and Kyle Laybutt, who made their debuts against Samoa in Sydney in June, have also been named in the starting side with Rhyse Martin to captain the side.
Edwin Ipape, Stargroth Amean, Stanford Talita and Garry Lo are on the extended bench.
This will be the Kumuls’ first test since a mid-year loss to Samoa, though they had some bright moments in the recent World Cup Nines with a convincing win over United States and a one-point loss to the Kiwis.
The likes of Justin Olam, Rhyse Martin, Kyle Laybutt and Watson Boas will be crucial to the team’s hopes.
The Kumuls 20-man squad is similar to that which contested the World Cup Nines, boosted by the inclusion of Johnston and hard-hitting Burleigh Bears prop Luke Page.
Coach Michael Marum will confirm his final 17 after the captain’s run on Friday.
Kumuls: 1. Alex Johnston, 2. Edene Gebbie, 3. Daniel Russell, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Terry Wapi, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Watson Boas, 8. Wellington Albert, 9. Wartovo Puara Jr, 10. Luke Page, 11. Nixon Putt, 12. Rhyse Martin (captain), 13. Moses Meninga; Interchange – 14. Edwin Ipape, 15. Stanton Albert, 16. Enock Maki, 17. Stargroth Amean, 18. Garry Lo, 19. Stanford Talita, 20. David Mead.