Mead in at centre, Wapi out in Martin-led Kumuls

DAVID Mead makes his return to the Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls starting side at centre, replacing Dan Russel who has been moved to the second row for Saturday’s clash with the Great Britain Lions rugby league team.
Joining Mead in the starting side Stargroth Amean who replaces Terry Wapi on the wing while skipper Rhyse Martin moves to lock, replacing Moses Meninga who has been named on the bench.
Martin retains the Kumuls captaincy and is confident that Mead’s inclusion at centre will provide an edge for the Kumuls, who lost 20-22 to the Fiji Bati at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday.
“What we lacked was our completions,” Martin said at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
“We didn’t build enough pressure, allowing Fiji to come out of their own end at ease.
“We just let Fiji off the hook a fair bit.”
Catalans Dragons star Mead said he was excited to be back in the country and was confident of a strong backline to face the James Graham-led Lions.
“I thought the boys played really well,” the former Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans flyer said.
“It’s just our ball control. We gave Fiji too much possession.
“I’m excited to be out there again, I couldn’t join earlier because of (English) Super League commitments.
“I’m excited to be part of the backline.
“We’ve got speed with Alex (Johnston), Edene (Gebbie), Justin (Olam) and Stargroth, so I’m obviously excited.”
Meanwhile, Kumuls assistant coach Stanley Tepend said Mead’s switch from fullback was nothing new as the 31-year-old was already playing at centre in the English top flight.
Tepend said Johnston had proved his place at fullback during last week’s match along with Amean who came off the bench.
“We had a close game against Fiji,” he said.
“Coming home, we want to make it hard for the Lions.
“Hopefully, we get the win on home soil.”
Marum will confirm his 17-man side an hour before kick-off at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Squad: 1. Alex Johnston, 2. Edene Gebbie, 3. David Mead, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Stargroth Amean, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Watson Boas, 8. Wellington Albert, 9. Wartovo Puara Jr, 10. Luke Page, 11. Nixon Putt 12. Daniel Russell, 13. Rhyse Martin; Interchange – 14. Edwin Ipape, 15. Garry Lo, 16. Stanton Albert, 17. Moses Meninga, 18. Stanford Talita, 19. Enock Maki, 20. Terry Wapi.