Kumuls lose Macdonald

By JACK AMI
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls back Nene Macdonald was ruled out of Saturday’s Pacific test against Fiji with a shoulder injury.
The St George Illawarra Dragons winger was replaced by PNG Hunters captain Ase Boas as the 18th man.
Kumuls coach Michael Marumsaid before travelling to Sydney yesterday that Macdonald injured his shoulder during Saturday’s NRL round 15 clash with the Manly Sea Eagles.
Marum said the Dragons medical team had opted not to release their player as a precautionary measure.
He added that Macdonald’s loss was a blow for the Kumuls who would be up against a Bati side featuring nine players with NRL experience.
“This will affect our back line but with Ase as the 18th man this will allow Junior Rau to get a starting slot,” Marum said.
“Ase was brought in because he had a visa and passport and was ready to go at short-notice and he’s been there before as well.
“All we need to do is bonding and building our team as usual and concentrate and focus on the preparations.
“We should not focus too much on the Bati but get into our own preparations.”
Marum said the Bati had picked a side which would have Jarryd Hayne, Suliasi Vunivalu, Akuila Uate and Kevin Naiqama.
Marum said his side would focus on their strengths, one of which was the familiarity with 10 Hunters in 18-man squad with two debutants in Rhadley Brawa and Junior Rau.
Hunters skipper Boas said he was ready to play whatever role required. “My presence is like morale booster for the boys in the camp but for me I’ll have to wait and see if I’m needed,” Boas said.
“I respect the coach’s decision and look forward to the game.”
Boas said he was confident that younger brother Watson and Sydney Roosters half Lachlan Lam would work up a good combination as they did during last year’s World Cup match against the USA Hawks in Port Moresby.