Martin to lead Kumuls

LEEDS Rhinos forward Rhyes Martin has been announced as captain of the Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls for next week’s Rugby League World Cup Nines in Australia.
Head coach Michael Marum said yesterday that 26-year-old Martin, the most-capped player in the 16-man squad, had the qualities and experience to lead the Kumuls.
“I spoke to the coaching stuffs on Wednesday and we decided to go with Rhyes as our captain,” Marum said at the National Football Stadium.
“We had announced James Segeyaro as our captain last month. But unfortunately, he is not here with us.
“Rhyes has played a lot more test matches than the other players in the squad. He is a leader in the group and has been good for us in camp as well.”
Martin said he was honoured to lead the Kumuls.
“It was a great feeling when the coach told me,” the former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs forward said.
“The boys are also excited for me and I am proud to lead the Kumuls.
“I’m going to take this in my stride. I’m proud of myself and my family. It’s an honour.
“I will try to lead with my actions on and off the field. What I’d like to do is to get the boys spending time with each other.
“The more we enjoy each other’s company off the field, it will transfer onto the pitch and I think we are doing that.”
Martin, from Hula in Central, has played 10 tests for the Kumuls since his 2015 debut against Fiji in Sydney, Australia.
He said the Kumuls had some skilful players in the squad and that they were looking forward to enjoying the tournament.
“The nines concept is all about open football. We get to showcase what we have here in PNG,” United Kingdom-based Martin said.
“Some of our boys have great speed and power so the shorter format suits them. It’s the inaugural World Cup Nines. We just have to go out there and enjoy it.”