Lo to switch codes

Former SP Hunters star signs with French tier-two rugby union club

GARRY Lo is still in contention for a spot in the Kumuls squad for next year’s Rugby League World Cup despite switching codes, says national coach Michael Marum.
Last week, the former SP Hunter signed with French second-tier rugby union outfit Sporting Club Albigeois for the 2020-2021 season following stints with Elite One Championship side AS Carcassonne, English Super League’s Castleford and Championship club Sheffield.
Marum told The National yesterday that the former Port Moresby Vipers flyer had not been ruled out for a place in the national side for the month-long showpiece event in England from Oct 23.
“If he’s on a short-term deal and returns to an International Rugby League-affiliated competition, then he’s eligible for Kumuls selection leading up the World Cup,” he said of the 26-year-old.
“But if he opts to remain in rugby union next year, then he is ineligible.
“If he is to remain in rugby union, we’ve so much depth in our backline so we will be fine.
“We have enough fullbacks and centres who can play anywhere in our backline.
“Our only problem is in the forwards.
“We don’t have enough depth in that department like we do with our backs.”
Meanwhile, Sporting Club Albigeois said on their Facebook page over the weekend that Lo, who took part in the 2017 World Cup, had signed for one season.
Marum said last week that new Cronulla Sharks signing and Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald would boost the Kumuls’ backline depth heading into the World Cup.