Russell aims to retain Kumuls spot for World Cup

PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls backrower Daniel Russell says he is aiming to retain his spot for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
The North Queensland Cowboy, who played two tests and one Prime Minister’s 13 fixture, told The National on Wednesday that he loved representing the country.
“It would mean the world to me to be a part of the World Cup side,” said the 24-year-old, whose most recent appearance for PNG was in the historic 28-10 win over the visiting Great Britain Lions in November.
Russell also played three matches for PNG during the inaugural Rugby League World Cup Nines at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Australia, last year.
“I love representing the country,” he said.
“There’s many things that excite me when I put on the Kumuls jersey.
“But the main reasons would definitely be representing the country, my family, playing in front of fantastic crowds and playing with my fellow Papua New Guineans.”
Russell said he was also hoping the Kumuls’ end-of-year Oceania Cup clashes with the Cook Islands and Samoa would go ahead as scheduled. “Hopefully, the games still go ahead,” he said.
“Most definitely, any chance I get to put on the Kumuls jersey I would take with both hands.”
Meanwhile, Russell is in North Queensland’s 30-man squad. His contract with the NRL side expires at the end of the season.