19-year-old Sydney Roosters five-eighth, Lachlan Lam, has already played for the Maroons under 20s after becoming the first player selected under the State of Origin father-son rule.
He is now destined for his first PNG Test jersey.
Lachlan Lam will make his debut for the PNG LNG Kumuls starting line-up for this weekend’s final Pool game against USA in Port Moresby.
Lam will become Kumul No. 283 when he dons the No. 6 jersey in PNG’s final pool game against USA this Sunday (Nov 12) at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
Lam will become the 2nd father/son Kumuls after James Segeyaro achieved this feat after his dad Ifisoe, Kumul No. 70.
James became Kumul No. 282 in the 1st game against Wales.
Lachlan’s dad, Adrian Lam, was Kumul No. 163 when he debuted for PNG against France in 1994. The senior Lam went on to play 11 Tests for PNG. He also coached the national team.
The other inclusion to the starting side is James Segeyaro as hooker.
Coach Michael Marum said apart from Rod Griffin, who sustained a knee injury on the eve of the first game against Wales, the inclusion of Lam, Meninga, Nixon Putt and Thompson Teteh will have ensured all players had a game at home during the pool stages.
Griffin will undergo further tests later this week.
Unfortunately, Wellington Albert has been ruled out for two weeks with a medial ankle injury.
(Lachlan Lam – Picture: Rugby League World Cup 2017)