Kumuls name 10 rookies

TEN rookies have been named in the 19-man Papua New Guinea Kumuls squad for next Saturday night’s Pacific Test match against Fiji at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney (7.50pm kick-off).
Out of those 10 players, the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hunters have contributed much-improved Sylvester Namo, Emmanuel Waine, Dilbert Isaac and Sherwin Tanabi.
The others are Epel Kapinias (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), McKenzie Yei (Central Queensland Capras), Robert Derby (Northern Pride), Liam Horne (Norths Devils), Jacob Alick (Burleigh Bears) and Cruise Ten (Souths Logan Magpies).
The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ try-scoring machine Alex Johnston, Brisbane Broncos veteran David Mead and Melbourne Storm star Justin Olam are expected to feature at fullback and in the centres respectively.
Sydney Roosters playmaker Lachlan Lam is expected to partner most-capped Townsville Blackhawk Kyle Laybutt in the halves.
Kumuls head coach Stanley Tepend said he had been in contact with the squad for the past few weeks and they were aware of the short camp ahead.
“There are six Hunters players who have been named,” the Hunters assistant coach said.
“Even though we haven’t been doing well, I feel that these players have earned their spots.
“We will get into camp on Tuesday.
“We will assemble in Campbelltown, so it’s easier for us.
“Once we get into camp, we’ll have a light run on Tuesday, Wednesday is our big day, we’ll have two sessions.
“We’ll have a day off on Thursday before Friday’s captain’s run.”
PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, and chief executive Stanley Hondina congratulated the 19 players who made the cut.
Tepend’s staff are David Westley, Paul Aiton (both assistant coaches), John Wilshire (team manager), Jeremy Hickmans (head of performance), Solomon Kuliniaisi (high performance), Mong Tavol (trainer), Tommy Butterfield (media manager) and Simon Morris (physiotherapist).
The Pacific Test will showcase the pride and passion of rugby league in the Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
The Campbelltown double-header in Sydney will see the Cook Islands facing Samoa (5.40pm) and PNG battling Fiji.
Meanwhile, New Zealand host Tonga in Auckaland for their Test,
Kumuls: Alex Johnston, Robert Derby, David Mead, Justin Olam, Terry Wapi, Lachlan Lam, Epel Kapinias, Wartovo Puara Jr, Sylvester Namo, Nixon Putt, Daniel Russell, Liam Horne, Kyle Laybutt, Emmanuel Waine, McKenzie Yei, Jacob Alick, Dlibert Isaac, Sherwin Tanabi, Cruise Ten.