Lachlan Lam will become Kumul #283 when he starts at five-eighth while Moses Meninga #284 was named at prop.
“We’ve brought in Nixon and Thompson onto the bench. Enock is out of this weekend’s match along with Stanton. Wellington got injured last weekend so he’s out for another two weeks.
“Ase is on the extended bench so we’ll see how he goes. But upon medical advice from the medical team, Ase is better off having a rest to prepare him for next weekend.
“This time I want to go with speed off the bench so that’s the whole reason why we’ve got Thompson, Nixon, Stargroth and Kurt. We want to use our speed and rest our big boys.
“Rod has been named as 18th man. He’s done a bit of work with the physio and seems to be running well. If he’s OK then we’ll push someone out from the starting line-up,” said Marum.
“We spoke about everyone playing before the finals and that’s just what we’re trying to do.”
Marum said the Kumuls will not be taking USA lightly.
“They’re going to be tough. We can’t lose focus. We have to go out there and beat them.”
The 21 man squad is: (three to be omitted)
1. David MEAD – Captain
2. Justin OLAM
3. Kato OTTIO
4. Nene MACDONALD
5. Garry LO
6. Lachlan LAM
7. Watson BOAS
8. Moses MENINGA
9. James SEGEYARO
10. Luke PAGE
11. Rhyse MARTIN
12. Willie MINOGA
13. Paul AITON
14. Kurt BAPTISTE
15. Stargroth AMEAN
16. Nixon PUT
17. Thompson TETEH
18. Rod GRIFFIN
19. Wartovo PUARA Jnr
20. Enock MAKI
21. Ase BOAS
This Sunday’s game will kick off at 3pm at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.