Olam at No.1, Wera out

THE Papua New Guinea Kumuls preparation for Saturday’s Pacific test against the Fiji Bati was dealt another blow yesterday when fullback Adex Wera was suspended by the Queensland Rugby League judiciary for two matches.
This follows the withdrawal of Nene Macdonald by the St George Illawarra Dragons medical team for a shoulder injury.
PNG LNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum said from Campbelltown, Sydney, yesterday afternoon that Wera was cited for a biting charge in last Friday’s round 15 Q-Cup game against Ipswich Jets and will sit out the next two games.
“Adex was suspended by the QRL Judiciary for two matches and he misses this weekend’s Pacific test and the next Hunters game,” Marum said.
Marum said Wera would return to Port Moresby today. “It’s too late in the week now to get a replacement for Adex to join the camp,” Marum said.
Melbourne Storm’s Justin Olam shifts from the three-quarters to fullback with Junior Rau to debut as Kumul No.285 on the wing.
Rhadley Brawa becomes Kumul No. 286 when he comes off the bench. The game against Fiji kicks off at 4pm at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday. This will be followed by Tonga-Samoa test at 7pm.
Kumuls: 1. Justin Olam, 2. Junior Rau, 3. Thompson Teteh, 4. Willie Minoga, 5. Richard Pandia, 6. Lachlan Lam, 7. Watson Boas, 8. Stanton Albert, 9. James Segeyaro (c) 10. Luke Page, 11. Rhyse Martin, 12. Nixon Put, 13. Rod Griffin; Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Rhadley Brawa, 16. Enoch Maki, 17. Ase Boas.