Canterbury Bankstown-Bulldogs player Rod Griffin will captain the PNG LNG Kumuls in this Saturday’s Pacific Test against Cook Islands at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
The 30 year old from Wabag, Enga Province made his debut for the Kumuls as a 20-year-old in 2007 against Wales. He is Kumul #218.
It will be a memorable occasion for Griffin when he runs on for the Kumuls for the 11th time, but first as captain.
“I thank Coach Michael Marum for giving me the honour to captain PNG in this test.
“It’ll be great to lead the boys out on Saturday. Captaining your country, there’s nothing like it.
“Coming into camp, you see the smiles and it gives you the fire in your belly. You see the reason behind why you play, and especially for PNG where everyone loves footy so much, it’s hard to describe the feeling, it’s amazing,” said Griffin.
Griffin joined the Bulldogs this year after two seasons with the Wests Tigers.
The second rower will be assisted on the field by PNG Hunters captain, Ase Boas as his deputy.
Meanwhile, the PNG LNG Kumuls’ preparations were dealt another blow when Willie Minoga was suspended by the QRL judiciary for two matches for a dangerous throw.
This follows the late withdrawal of St George Illawarra Dragons winger Nene Macdonald on Monday due to an ankle injury sustained in their game against Melbourne Storm.
Speaking from Sydney this morning, Coach Michael Marum said Minoga will return to Port Moresby tomorrow.
In place of Minoga will be Israel Eliab who will join the Kumuls in Penrith tomorrow afternoon.
Stargroth Amean who was also cited for a similar offence during Saturday’s win over Northern Pride entered an early guilty plea and has been cleared by the QRL judiciary. Amean will take up his position at fullback on Saturday night.