Laybutt aiming for WC

Kumuls playmaker eager to make up for missing 2017 tournament

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumul Kyle Laybutt wants a shot at next year’s Rugby League World Cup after missing out on the 2017 tournament due to his commitment with North Queensland.
The Blackhawks playmaker, who was contracted to the Cowboys from 2017-2018, told The National from Townsville last week that he was training at home despite the Queensland Intrust Super Cup season cancellation.
“I’m keeping fit as I want to be available for selection for the end-of-year tests,” the 24-year-old said.
“I wasn’t given a specific programme but I’ve borrowed some equipment from the club (Blackhawks) and I’m just doing my own stuff, working on a few weaknesses.
“Definitely, I want to be a part of the upcoming World Cup.
“I missed out on the last one as I was focusing on the Cowboys at the time.
“I know this opportunity doesn’t come around every day so I’ll put myself in the best position I can to be selected for the Kumuls squad.”
Laybutt, who has played three tests, one Prime Minister’s 13 fixture and two invitational matches for PNG, hailed the Kumuls’ 28-10 victory against the James Graham-led British Lions at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby in November.
“As an official test match, it was my first victory — one of the highlights of my career so far,” said the 189cm, 89kg Bundaberg native, who has never played in a World Cup.
“The whole night was amazing. From running out to the crowd, to the second half flurry of tries we scored, all the way up until the final siren and afterwards.
“The crowd was amazing that night and we really dug deep for one of our biggest wins in history.”