Kumuls set for NRL 9s

By JACK AMI
FLYER Edene Gebbie (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Edwin Ipape (Manly Sea Eagles) are among five Papua New Guinea internationals who are set for this weekend’s National Rugby League Nines in Perth, Australia.
Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Xavier Coates (Brisbane Broncos) and Daniel Russell (North Queensland Cowboys) are the other three who have been named for the two-day tournament which kicks off on Friday at HBF Park.
Kumuls head coach Michael Marum told The National yesterday their inclusion was great for PNG leading up to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
“It’s wonderful to see several of our players being included in their respective squads for the NRL Nines,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for players like Edene, Edwin, Xavier and Daniel to show what they can offer as they continue to push for spots in the top grade of their respective clubs.” Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka left for Perth yesterday.
Gebbie, from Koiari, Central, has a wealth of experience in the short format, having played in the Southern region Nines before establishing himself as a star in the 13-man game.
The 25-year-old, who represented PNG at the inaugural Rugby League World Cup Nines at the end-of-season tests last year, should add depth in attack when South Sydney face the Wests Tigers (Friday) and last year’s NRL grand finalists Canberra Raiders (Saturday).
Nurtured by Digicel Cup premiership-winning coach Stanley Tepend, Ipape will have butterflies in his stomach if he gets the nod to take the field but the former Lae Tigers playmaker will want to disappoint. Olam, who is coming off a stellar season in the NRL last year, is expected to provide aggression for the Storm when they face Manly (Friday) and (Brisbane).
Coates and Russell will be just as eager as their fellow Kumuls to take the field to impress their respective coaches 29 days out from the start of the NRL season.