Johnston gets custodian role for Kumuls

ALEX Johnston has been handed the No.1 jersey with fellow fullbacks Edene Gebbie, Stargroth Amean and Terry Wapi expected to play elsewhere in the Kumuls backline in next Saturday’s clash with Fiji.
Coach Michael Marum said yesterday that he was confident the South Sydney star, whose mum is from Aitape, West Sepik, would get the job done with Gebbie under close observation due to a hamstring strain.
He said Amean and Wapi could play centre or wing.
“Not all of them will play fullback. There are two wing and centre spots to fill. They (Gebbie, Amean and Wapi) are capable of playing anywhere in the backline,” Marum said.
He said there were other players in the side who could play a number of positions if need be.
“Gary Lo, Edwin Ipape and young Stanford Talita are just as talented so I’m hoping to slot them in the Tests against Fiji and the touring British Lions,” Marum said.
“We’ve got good speed in the side. We understand Fiji with their inside backs will be a handful.
“We’re working on our fitness levels. Fiji will have a lot of NRL players who are fit so we need to be prepared for that.
“Regardless of whoever they slot into their starting side, they are a strong, quality squad all over the park.
“The positive for us is that our playing group has been largely the same for a while now so we’re used to playing alongside each other. The new guys, Alex and Stanford, are picking up fast so that’s good for us.”