Kyle Laybutt says his father was emotional when he broke to him the news of his selection in the NGCB PNG PM’s XIII squad to take on Australia on October 6th.
He said his family were happy for him to get the call to represent PNG.
Kyle was out with his mates playing golf when he received the call-up and informed his family.
Kyle’s links to PNG date back to his great-grandparents, who ran a business for many years in Port Moresby. Kyle’s grandmother was born in Madang.
Although growing up in Queensland Kyle has experienced PNG’s passion when playing for Townsville Blackhawks against the Hunters in Port Moresby.
Dan Russel, also said he was happy to be included in the team.
Dan’s links to PNG date back to his grandparents, who lived here for over 15 years in the 1960s and 1970s.
His grandfather was a patrol officer on the Sepik, and later became a medical teacher in Port Moresby, Madang and Kainantu, where his grandmother also worked as a nurse.
Dan’s father, Mark was born in Port Moresby and grew up in Madang until the age of 16.
Both players are currently in camp training with the team.