Kumuls

Baptiste also represented the country on seven occasions, including four Tests in the 2017 World Cup. Baptiste took to social media on Saturday to call time on his career, expressing his pride and thanks in the opportunities those around him gave.

 Baptiste wrote in a post to Instagram. “I don’t even know where to begin.

“These past years have been one hell of a ride. I have taken this time to look back on it all, and although it was never easy, I feel incredibly proud of all that I have achieved.

The official announcement was made on Monday this week through a virtual signing ceremony in Port Moresby between ExxonMobil PNG and PNG Rugby Football League.

The sponsorship is a three year initiative that enables the PNG LNG to retain the Naming Rights of our national team, the PNGLNG Kumuls.

“Seeing we’ve got plenty options in the hooking role from how the Hunters went this season, I’m just really pleased and excited to be back and part of this team.

“No disrespect to the previous teams, but I think this one of the best PNG teams selected,” said Segeyaro.

Segeyaro added he has settled well into camp and the team is raring to go.

In response to the backlash from many Papua New Guineans over his decision to never play for the Kumuls again, the 27 year old from Eastern Highlands and East New Britain said everyone has a right to an opinion.

The driveway into the stadium gates are fully packed as people with tickets stand in line from the gates all the way out to the street and onto the main driveway while some are looking for tickets.

Police units were also deployed to the area to maintain security around the perimeter.

City residents, families, fans and supporters also dressed in PNG colors as they marched to the stadium.

Gates will open at 1:30pm and close at 5pm after the game kick off at 4pm.

ExxonMobil PNG, which is the operator of the PNG LNG project has been the major sponsor of the Kumuls since 2013. 

Managing Director for ExxonMobil, Andrew Barry said the PNG LNG family will be cheering on the PNG LNG Kumuls when they take on Fiji Bati next week.

“We congratulate the players who have been selected to play for the PNG LNG Kumuls.

The 31-year-old - who also crashed over for four tries the previous week - was again unstoppable near the try-line as the Eagles consolidated third place in the second tier championship with a resounding victory. 

Yere is already the Eagles' all-time record try-scorer and this recent seven-try haul has taken his tally to 153 from 195 games.

Dion Aiye was also amongst the try-scorers for Whitehaven as the Cumbrians recovered from 0-12 down to defeat Hunslet 28-12 with Kumuls team-mate Jessie Joe Parker also playing his part in the victory.