Kumuls named for Knights

GOAL-kicking ace Rhyse Martin, Dan Russell, Willie Minoga and Edene Gabbie were left out of coach Michael Marum’s national rugby league squad for the two-match series against the England Knights later this month.
The Papua New Guinea LNG-sponsored Kumuls assembled tomorrow and play the Knights in Lae on Saturday, October 27 and the second match will be on Nov 3.
The new faces include Pacific test hero Junior Rau, Hunters prop Dilbert Isaac and Melbourne Storm Under-20s forward Zev John.
The two notable absentees from the side that played the Australian Prime Minister’s 13 last week Martin, pictured, (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Russell (North Queensland Cowboys) both ruled themselves out of selection for the England matches in order to recover from a long season and prepare for the 2019 National Rugby League season with their clubs.
“It’s unfortunate that Rhyse and Dan won’t be part of this camp after their outstanding performances against Australia, but we also understand their decisions due to the amount of football they’ve played this season. They are important members of our team in future.”
Marum said players who were unavailable for PM’s 13 clash, including Burleigh Bears (Q-Cup) prop Luke Page and Sydney Roosters (NRL) hooker Kurt Baptiste, remain unavailable for these matches and look forward to pulling on the PNG jersey again in 2019.
Winger Gabbie, who did not have the best of debuts for the country, was replaced by Rau.
Marum said Western Highlander Rau, who had bagged a double on debut during the Pacific test against Fiji, had not been picked for the PNG PM’s 13 side initially because of a one-game suspension from the Q-Cup.
The side is expected to be captained by inspirational fullback David Mead backing up another quality performance against the Australian’s PM’s 13.
Cronulla Sharks dummy half James Segeyaro is also resume his role as vice-captain.
PNG Kumuls squad: 1. David Mead, 2. Junior Rau, 3. Kyle Laybutt, 4. Nene Macdonald, 5. Justin Olam, 6. Lachlan Lam, 7. Watson Boas, 8. Moses Meninga, 9. James Segeyaro, 10. Stanton Albert, 11. Nixon Put, 12. Wellington Albert, 13. Rhadley Brawa, 14. Dilbert Isaac, 15. Enoch Maki, 16. Tommy Butterfield, 17. Zev John.