Kumul hopes to play more tests for PNG

KUMUL and South Sydney Rabbitoh Alex Johnston says he hopes to play more tests for Papua New Guinea, including next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
The 25-year-old, who has so far played two tests for PNG, said on Fulltime Reserve that last year’s historic 28-10 win over the visiting Great Britain Lions had fueled his to desire to play for the Kumuls again.
“I know it took me a long time to finally play for Papua New Guinea,” said the one-time Australian Kangaroo, who has so far scored 84 tries in 126 National Rugby League (NRL) appearances for the Wayne Bennett-coached Rabbitohs.
“But when I put on the jersey, I loved every minute of it.
“I just want to make my family and fans proud.
“I’d love to play and hopefully, I get to wear it (Kumul jersey) again.
“It’ll be awesome to put the jersey on and play some more internationals for the Kumuls.
“Obviously, playing in the World Cup is something I’m looking forward to and hopefully coach Michael Marum picks me.”
The back said he was disappointed that he had missed out on a spot in the squad for the inaugural Rugby League World Cup Nines in Sydney last year.
“I was upset about not getting picked,” said the former La Perouse Panthers junior, who made his NRL debut against the Brisbane Broncos in round eight of the 2014 season.
“But I was glad that even though I missed out on the Nines, I still got picked for the two tests (against Fiji and Great Britain) so I’m grateful to the coach.”
Johnston’s grandmother Mary Brown was born in Papua New Guinea and grew up in Lumi, West Sepik.
His grandfather Francis met her while in PNG as a missionary worker. The pair fell in love and moved to Australia before having Johnston’s mother in Queensland.