Kumuls call in Ngutlik

By PATRICIA KEAMO
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls head coach Stanley Tepend has confirmed that Jimmy Ngutlik will make his debut on the wing in PNG’s must-win clash against the Cook Islands tomorrow (4.30am kickoff) at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington, England.
Tepend said the 22-year-old Ngutlik had shown good form in his last match which was in the Prime Ministers’ 13 fixture last month.
The Rabaul native, who plays for the Western Magpies in the NSW Cup, was not considered for last week’s World Cup Group D opener against Tonga due to not being fully fit but is now ready and will take his place on the wing.
Dan Russell, who filled in admirably last week on the left edge after Xavier Coates pulled out injured before the match, moves onto to the bench as a forward while Jeremiah Simbiken, who was in line to make his debut becomes 18th man. Jimmy was unfortunate not to make the call-up during the Tonga game (due to an injury) and having him on the field against Tonga would have been a considerable risk I couldn’t take,” Tepend told The National last night.
“But he is back at his best form now.” With marquee backs Coates and Edene Gebbie ruled out of the tournament due to injuries, the West Tigers development player has big shoes to fill in the fixture that will decide whether PNG has a chance to make the quarterfinals.
Prior to leaving for England, Ngutlik told this paper that when given the chance, he would wear the Kumuls jersey with pride.
Meanwhile, Tepend added that his side would not be complacent as they have prepared accordingly to contain the Cook Islands.
“We had a few areas to clean up and we’ve addressed them at training,” Tepend said.
“Every game is a clean slate. We play with the same intent (as we have played against Tonga) but the Cook Islands are a different team.
“We can’t get complacent because this is probably the strongest side they have put together.”
Former Kumuls coach Michael Marum backed the team saying that he was confident that the Kumuls would come out winners tomorrow morning.
“Cook Islands is going to be our game; the coaches have done their job to prepare team and it’s up to the players to execute on game day,” Marum told The National last night. “It was our game against Tonga until the last minute when we allowed them to score but the team went out with a great performance.
“It’s sad to see Edene and Xavier ruled out of the tournament but we have enough experience to beat the Cook Islands.”
PNGLNG Kumuls: 1. Alex Johnston, 2. Jimmy Ngutlik, 3. Nene Macdonald, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Rodrick Tai, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Lachlan Lam, 8. Wellington Albert, 9. Edwin Ipape, 10. Sylvester Namo, 11. Nixon Putt, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Jacob Alick; Inter-change: 14. McKenzie Yei, 15. Emmanuel Waine, 16. Dan Russell, 17. Watson Boas; Reserves: 18. Jeremiah Simbiken, 19. Keven Appo.