PNG LNG Kumuls

Zev John in starting line-up for game 2

Enock Maki has been relegated to the inter change bench with Moses Meninga taking his place at prop, allowing John to partner Nixon Putt in the second row.

Ase Boas makes way for Kyle Laybutt, who joined the squad on Tuesday, on the bench.

James Segeyaro is unable to join the team for game two because of delayed travel arrangements.

The team is:

Kumuls determined to turn tide around

Captain David Mead highlighted that one of the weaknesses in the October 27th match centred around the offloading of the ball.

It was a disappointing result for the PNG LNG Kumuls when they went down 12-16 to the England Knights in the first of a two game series.

Three unconverted tries ensured the visiting team’s victory.

However, captain David Mead says they never finish a game blaming any individual.

Debutants Ipape, Nima in starting lineup

Nima will wear the No.5 red, black and gold jersey while Ipape will don the No. 6 national jumper in front of his home crowd.

Fellow debutants Dilbert Isaac and Zev John will come off the interchange bench with Woods Kawage as the 18th man.

Coach Michael Marum announced the team after yesterday’s training session in Port Moresby.

The team is:

1. David MEAD - Captain

2. Junior RAU

3. Justin OLAM

4. Nene MACDONALD

5. Brendon NIMA

6. Edwin IPAPE

7. Watson BOAS

8. Enock MAKI

9. Tom BUTTERFIELD

Isaac set to debut with Kumuls

The 26-year-old from Simbu credits Kumuls teammates Wellington and Stanton Albert for helping him develop as a player on and off the field, and teaching him “respect and humility”.

Isaac said: “I’m so excited to represent my country alongside the big boys. As well as Wellington and Stanton, I also went to school with Justin Olam and I’ve been following him in the NRL.

“Every week I used to check the Melbourne Storm team list hoping he would be in it, and I was so excited when he finally made his debut this year. I’m so happy we’re now playing together for the Kumuls.”

Ase Boas in, Lachlan Lam out

Boas replaces Lachlan Lam who has been released to begin pre-season training with 2018 NRL premiers Sydney Roosters.

Stanford Talita, who was added onto the squad with fellow PNG U23 Residents Edwin Ipape and Woods Kawage, was forced to withdraw to focus on his studies. Talita has been replaced by Nima.

The arrivals of Tom Butterfield today (Monday) and Nene Macdonald tomorrow (Tuesday) will complete the squad for game one against England Knights in Lae on Saturday, 27 October. The team for game one will be announced in Lae on Thursday.

Kumuls team announced for England Knights match

The team in alphabetical order is:

1. David Mead - Catalans Dragons

2. Dilbert Isaac - PNG Hunters

3. Enock Maki - PNG Hunters

4. James Segeyaro - Cronulla Sharks

5. Junior Rau - PNG Hunters

6. Justin Olam - Melbourne Storm

7. Kyle Laybutt - North Qld Cowboys

8. Lachlan Lam - Sydney Roosters

9. Moses Meninga - PNG Hunters

10. Nene Macdonald - St George Illawarra Dragons

11. Nixon Putt - PNG Hunters

12. Rhadley Brawa - PNG HUnters

13. Stanton Albert - PNG Hunters

Mead, Segeyaro to lead PNG Kumuls

The incumbent PNG LNG Kumuls captain will be assisted by James Segeyaro, who captained the Pacific Test in July during Mead's absence.

During their joint training with the PNG Orchids yesterday, Mead expressed his excitement at being back in camp.

The 2017 World Cup skipper was not considered for the Pacific Test selection in July as he was playing in the UK Super League.

“It’s a huge honour to be named captain for your country so I’ll make sure I prepare really well this week and give my best for the team,” he said.

Segeyaro named Captain

Coach Michael Marum made the announcement on Tuesday.

The 27 year old Eastern Highlander made his debut as Kumul No. 282 in the 2017 World Cup against Wales in Port Moresby and went on to play the next three games including their quarter final loss against England in Melbourne.

In a statement Marum said it is James' second year representing PNG and he has really settled into being a Kumul.

“He has been outstanding for Cronulla Sharks in their recent games, and has become one of the leaders at his club.

Mead: I’ve learned to accept it and move on

Mead only lasted 90 seconds in PNG’s 36-6 quarter-final loss to England on Sunday and was ruled out for the remainder of the match after failing his Head Injury Assessment.

“It was obviously very frustrating sitting on the sideline and watching. It was pretty hard to accept at first four or five hours after the game.

“As a player, you don’t ever want to miss a single game at a World Cup. But that stuff happens in rugby league so you have to learn to accept it.

“It would have been good to finish, but it wasn’t to be.

“I’ve learned to accept it and move on.

PNG needs more players in the NRL

“We want to see a lot more of our players in the NRL and not just playing in feeder clubs.

“In order for us to be competitive in the next five years, we need another three or four David Meads playing in the Broncos.

“We have a few boys out there in the feeder clubs, but they need to do the hard work to get into the top 25 and be playing week in and week out in the NRL."

Marum said he is hoping to see PNG players who are contracted to NRL clubs break into the big league.