Kumul five-eighth eyeing first World Cup appearance

PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls five-eighth Kyle Laybutt is eyeing his first Rugby League World Cup appearance as he aims for an injury-free season with Townsville Blackhawks next year.
The 26-year-old has so far played in three Tests, two international friendlies, one Prime Minister’s 13 and a Nines Rugby League World Cup. However, he told The National on Friday that his main goal was to feature in the Kumuls’ World Cup squad that would be heading to England at the end of the 2022 season.
“Definitely, my main goal next year is to make the Kumuls’ World Cup side,” the former North Queensland Cowboy said.
“I really want to experience what it is like. I want to be part of the squad that will head over to England next year.
“It is my goal to go and compete for the first time on the biggest stage of rugby league.”
But Laybutt said his form would determine his chances of World Cup selection.
He said his short-term goal was to have a solid pre-season with the Blackhawks and perform consistently in the new Hostplus Cup season.
He said he wanted to help the Blackhawks finish better than their 2021 campaign.
“The pre-season has been really good, we have built a good base for the 2022 season,” he said.
“I am feeling fit and heathy and ready for next year. As far as the Blackhawks are concerned, we were competitive all year in 2021.
“Records show that the games we lost were only by two to eight points, so we know we can beat any team on our day. It was also nice to play injury-free. I want to maintain that next year and head into the World Cup in peak fitness and form.”