Marum not ruling out duo for Cup

Kumuls coach hopeful of pair clearing their names

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls coach Michael Marum says National Rugby League (NRL) players James Segeyaro and Jack de Belin will be considered for this year’s Rugby League World Cup in England if they are available.
He told The National last week that former Brisbane Broncos hooker Segeyaro, who has already played six tests for PNG, and St George Illawarra Dragons forward de Belin, were still fighting drug and sex charges in Australian courts.
Former New South Wales lock de Belin was in the running to make his Kumul debut in 2019 but those plans were waylaid after he was charged with sexual assault from a December 2018 incident in Wollongong.
Marum said de Belin had indicated his desire to play for PNG before he was stood down from club duties following the charge and in line with the National Rugby League’s no-fault stand down policy.
De Belin, 29, is awaiting a re-trial of his case after the jury in the first trial failed to come to a verdict. Segeyaro, meanwhile, had his NRL contact with the Broncos terminated last year after he tested positive for the banned substance, Ligandrol.
Marum said both men needed to be playing football if they were to be considered for the Kumuls’ World Cup squad, regardless of their circumstances.
“Both players are fighting court battles and they are not playing at the moment,” the former SP Hunters coach said.
“Firstly, they have to be back playing in the NRL.
“Secondly, if they want to play for the country then it’s okay.
“They are eligible to play for PNG and no doubt they are among the group of overseas-based players who I am monitoring.
“If things turns out well for them then it will be a plus for us.”
Marum said the World Cup was still nine months away and it was too early to know if de Belin and Segeyaro would be available.
“But I hope every player who we are monitoring are playing well in their respective competitions and injury-free ahead of the World Cup,” he said.