Papua New Guinea confirm squad to face Australian Prime Minister’s XIII

Drew Darbyshire 20 Sep 2022 9:59 AM

Papua New Guinea Kumuls line-up PA including Keven Appo

Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Tepend has selected a 20-man squad to take on the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.

The Kumuls squad is made up of players from the Queensland and New South Wales Cups as well as the domestic PNG competition.

Tepend has named eight players who were part of their mid-season win over Fiji.

NRL stars Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm) are to link up with the Kumuls ahead of the World Cup.

Leigh trio Lachlan Lam, Nene Macdonald and Edwin Ipape are also expected to feature for Papua New Guinea at the World Cup.

Leeds’ goal-kicking forward Rhyse Martin and London Broncos prop Wellington Albert are also looking to play in the World Cup, which is hosted in England.

The Kuymuls will go into camp in Brisbane on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s game against the Kangaroos.

Tepend said: “I will be looking at the new players coming into this game, with each of them a genuine chance at making it into the World Cup squad.

“We have spots available, and this is their opportunity to prove that no matter what we face or what situation we are put in, we rise together.

“We will be coming up against a good Australian team and playing at the best rugby league stadium. So, it’s important for this group of boys to not let the occasion get to them but play the way we want to.”