Five debutants have been named in the PNG LNG Kumuls side for next month’s Pacific Test against Fiji Bati.
The side was announced today at the Ela Beach Hotel by Kumuls coach, Michael Marum in the presence of PNG Rugby Football League Directors, Don Fox, Graham Osborne and Senior Media and Communications Advisor for ExxonMobil, Steven Busin.
The five debutants- Justin Olam on the wing with Stargroth Amean to play on the other wing.
Watson Boas gets the nod at halfback and will partner his brother Ase in the halves. Ase made his debut back in 2013.
Henry Noki will also make his debut at prop and Canberra Raiders Kurt Baptist has been named on the bench.
Marum stressed that the team had been selected based on merit from the Intrust Super Cup, NSW Cup, the NRL and Super League only.
He said players playing in any rugby league competition below this were not considered for selection.
Marum added four shadow players have been named in case any of the selected 18 should suffer any injury or face any judiciary charges.
The Pacific Test is scheduled for May 7 and will be played at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
2016 PAPUA NEW GUINEA LNG KUMULS:
1. David MEAD (227) - Gold Coast Titans
2. Justin OLAM (274) - SP Hunters
3. Kato OTIO (269) - Canberra Raiders
4. Nene McDONALD (246) - Gold Coast Titans
5. Stargroth AMEAN (275) - SP Hunters
6. Ase BOAS (248) - SP Hunters
7. Watson BOAS (276) - SP Hunters
8. Luke PAGE (273) - Burleigh Bears
9. Wartovo PUARA Jnr (260) - SP Hunters
10. Henry NOKI (277) - SP Hunters
11. Rhyse MARTIN (262) - Townsville Blackhawks
12. Rod GRIFFIN (218) - West Tigers
13. Adam KORAVE (263) - SP Hunters
14. Adex WERA (258) - SP Hunters
15. Brandy PETER (267) - SP Hunters
16. Willie MINOGA (265) - Townsville Blackhawks
17. Kurt BAPTIST (278) - Canberra Raiders
18. Timothy LOMAI (261) - SP Hunters
Coach: Michael MARUM
Team Managers: Arnold KREWANTY, Marcus BAI
Head Trainer: Solomon KULUNIASI
Trainers: John Wilshire, David Westley