Gebbie eyeing World Cup

Former Rabbitoh optimistic despite limited game time

PAPUA New Guinea Kumul Edene Gebbie says he will be vying for a spot in the national team for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England despite a quiet year.
The 25-year-old said he was unable to comment on his recent signing for the West Tigers on a development contract for next year.
But he did reveal that despite not playing much football in the Digicel Cup during the Covid-19 pandemic, he was able to play a few local league matches.
The Koiari native said despite seeing limited action on the field, he believed he still had the ability and talent to play for PNG.
“I’ve been playing some rugby league in Koiari and nines tournaments which have been keeping me fit all year,” he told The National last week.
“Being able to make the Kumuls is a dream of mine.
“It will also be a high for me to play for the Kumuls in the World Cup and hopefully I get that chance next year.
“There’s going to be a lot of talented players out there to pick for the World Cup, so I know that making the team won’t be easy.
“I don’t intend on taking anything lightly and relaxing.
“This is something I want to be a part of next year.
“We have a lot of talented players coming up through our local competition, so that will also be something that we can use to build our team on.”
Gebbie returned to the country in June following his release from South Sydney in Australia’s National Rugby League competition with Covid-19 forcing clubs to reduce their squads for the 2020 season.
He later joined the Lae Snax Tigers for a brief stint before joining his local league (Koiari) where his side, Dona Minas, won the grand final.
Gebbie later joined Koiari’s nines team for the Central carnival.