Johnston named

SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs flyer Alex Johnston has finally put his hand up to play for Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls against Fiji (Nov 9) and the British Lions (Nov 16) next month.
The NRL premiership winner and former Australian Kangaroo has been named in coach Michael Marum’s 20-man squad, alongside Rhyse Martin, Justin Olam, Luke Page and Wellington Albert.
The injured David Mead won’t be available for the Fiji clash in Christchurch, New Zealand, .
However, the Catalans Dragons back is expected to lead the Kumuls against the touring British Lions at the National Football Stadium.
Leeds Rhinos forward Martin will retain the captaincy in his absence.
Making their debuts alongside Martin are North Queensland Cowboys’ Daniel Russell and Hela Wigmen’s Stanford Talita.
Marum said prior to Johnston’s selection, he had been in close contact with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett about the 24-year-old’s availability.
“I think Wayne must have convinced him to play for the country,” he said.
“He will bring a lot NRL experience to the Kumuls which will hopefully rub off on the rest of the players.”
Marum said most of the players from last weekend’s inaugural Rugby League World Cup Nines squad had been retained.
“The squad have played together for some time now so our combinations should be good,” he said.
“We had good camps in Port Moresby and Sydney so we need to keep at it when we resume camp on Monday.”
Nene Macdonald and Lachlan Lam are not available due to injuries while James Segeyaro’s NRL doping suspension is still in effect.
Kumuls: Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daniel Russell (North Queensland Cowboys), David Mead (Catalans Dragons), Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly), Edwin Ipape (Wynnum Manly), Enock Maki (SP Hunters, Garry Lo (Hunters), Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Luke Page (Burleigh Bears), Moses Meninga (Hunters), Nixon Putt (Norths Devils), Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhino), Stanford Talita (Hela Wigmen), Stanton Albert (Hunters), Stargroth Amean (Barrow Raiders), Terry Wapi (Hunters), Wartovo Puara Jr (Barrow Raiders), Watson Boas (Doncaster), Wellington Albert (Leeds Rhinos).