Yei drawing inspiration from past Kumuls for Test debut

By PARKER TAMBUA
CENTRAL Queensland Capras forward McKenzie Yei says he is drawing inspiration from Kumuls legends as he prepares to make his Test debut off the bench when Papua New Guinea meet Fiji at Campbelltwon Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night (7.50pm kick-off).
The Bati pack boast a wealth of National Rugby League (NRL) experience in Penrith Panther Wiliame Kikau and Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamika.
But Kelua villager Yei, from Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, told The National last week that the aura of the pair would not distract Kumuls coach Stanley Tepend’s pack.
“We respect our opposition, but we really don’t care who they are,” he said.
“We’ve seen how the former Kumuls played.
“They have done it in recent times regardless of the differences in size and reputation.
“I am confident that the current team can do the same.
“Sometimes, status matters.
“But at the end of the day, we are all same.
“It is how you play in those 80 minutes that influences the result.”
Yei, who will debut as Kumul No.302, was emotional when he received news from Tepend about his selection.
“Like every child who grows up playing rugby league in PNG, playing for the Kumuls was my dream,” he said.
“To finally be able to do it is special.
“I will run out there in the Kumuls jersey and do what I am good at for my country, teammates and family.”
The 25-year-old started playing rugby league as a 16-year-old for Andakelkang Broncos in the Mt Hagen competition.
He made his Digicel Cup debut with his home team, Mt Hagen Eagles, in 2017 before joining Hela Wigmen in 2018.
Yei was selected into the SP Hunters’ squad for the 2019 season and was scouted by the Capras in the following season where he has been since.