PNG LNG Kumuls

Martin to lead PNG Kumuls

The announcement was officially made today by the PNG LNG Kumul coach, Michael Marum.

Martin replaces James Segeyaro, who was originally named as captain of the side.

Being the most capped PNG Kumul player coupled with his vast NRL experience and great leadership quality, Martin stands out as the right candidate for captaincy.

United under one banner: PNGRFL

“They will be representing not only their family, but a nation, a people of a thousand different tribes with over 850 languages. But all will be united under the banner of rugby league,” says the PNG Rugby Football League.

“We have a number of debutants from both our teams, they all have a story to tell, a legacy to continue and to create.

Final PNG Kumuls lineup

The PNG LNG Kumuls Team (with their Kumul numbers and Test appearances so far) is:

1. Edene Gebbie 287 – Debut

2. Junior Rau 285 – 1 Test

3. Bernard Lewis 288 – Debut

4. Xavier Coates 289 – Debut

5. Terry Wapi 290 – Debut

6. Edwin Ipape 291 – Debut

7. Kyle Laybutt 292 – Debut

8. Enock Maki 250 – 5 Tests

9. James Segeyaro © 282 – 5 Tests

10. Luke Page 273 – 8 Tests

11. Rhyse Martin 262 – 7 Tests

12. Nixon Putt 281 – 3 Tests

13. Moses Meninga 284 – 2 Tests

Interchange

Six debutants named in starting side

SP Hunters regular full back Terry Wapi will start on the wing, making way for Edene Gabbie at fullback.

Brendon Nima and Xavier Coates are the centres while the new halves combination sees Edwin Ipape at five-eighth and Kyle Laybutt at half.

The other two debutants – Zev John and Bernard Lewis – have been named on the extended bench.

The PNG LNG Kumuls team is:

1. Edene GABBIE

2. Junior RAU

3. Brendon NIMA

4. Xavier COATES

5. Terry WAPI

6. Edwin IPAPE

7. Kyle LAYBUTT

8. Enock MAKI

Segeyaro to lead PNG Kumuls

He will lead the team for Saturday’s Oceania Cup Pacific Test against Toa Samoa at Leichhardt, west of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia.

The 28-year-old, originally from the Eastern Highlands, will captain the national side for the second time.

He was captain in the Pacific Test match against Fiji Batis last year.

“James led the PNG LNG Kumuls to a 26-14 win against Fiji and I had no hesitation in appointing him again to captain the national team this Saturday against Samoa,” Marum said from the team hotel in Sydney on Wednesday.

Upcoming Roosters winger makes Kumuls squad

The 21-year-old is an up-and-coming young winger for the Sydney Roosters.

After missing last year with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Lewis has been playing consistent football with the North Sydney Bears in the Canterbury Cup this season.

The Sydney Roosters have congratulated Lewis on his selection and wished him the best of luck ahead of kick off.

The inclusion of Lewis will now bring the number of debutants to seven.

PNG LNG Kumuls team:

Six to debut in Kumuls Test team

Edene Gebbie, Edwin Ipape, Kyle Laybutt and Zev John have worn the red, black and gold jersey in unofficial international matches in the past.

ExxonMobil PNG Ltd Production Manager Keith Killian announced the team in Port Moresby this afternoon.

The PNG LNG Kumuls Test Team (in first name alphabetical order) is:

1. Edene GEBBIE (Debut) - Wynnum Manly

2. Edwin IPAPE (Debut) - Wynnum Manly

3. Enock MAKI - SP PNG Hunters

4. James SEGEYARO - Brisbane Broncos

5. Junior RAU - SP PNG Hunters

6. Justin OLAM - Melbourne Storm

Kumuls show character to beat Knights

It was a bruising encounter at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on November 3rd and no surprise when tempers flared with a player each from both teams getting sinbinned.

Fans in attendance got their money’s worth for the match, ending the PNG Rugby Football League calendar.

The England Knights made their intentions known early in the first half opening the scoring through Tom Lineham.

Minutes later his wing partner, Tam Davies, had no trouble beating two defenders to score in the corner.

PNGRFL to request police investigation on alleged assault

In a short statement issued today (November 4th), PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau said the PNGRFL will request the Police Minister and his department to carry out a thorough investigation into this incident.

“If what has happened to the player is true, we totally condemn this incident and deplore the unacceptable behaviour of the person/persons involved,” Rau said.

“PNGRFL will issue a statement as soon as the facts have been established.”

PNG Kumuls player allegedly assaulted

After the Kumuls’ 32-22 win over the England Knights yesterday in Port Moresby, Nene Macdonald and some of his teammates went out to unwind when he was allegedly assaulted.

In a Facebook post, the Kumuls centre said he will not wear the red, black and gold jersey again until the man who smashed a bottle over his head at Lamana is dealt with.

Coach Michael Marum confirmed the incident but said they are still in the early stages of gathering information.

“He is traveling out today and no, his injury was not severe,” stated the coach.

More to follow...