SP PNG Hunters forward Timothy Lomai has been named in the PNG LNG Kumuls starting line up for Saturday’s Pacific Test against Fiji Batis at the Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta, Sydney.
Coach Michael Marum said from Sydney this afternoon Lomai got the nod ahead of Edward Goma, who is the 18th man.
Goma replaced Townsville Blackhawks backrower Rhyse Martin who withdrew earlier this week due to personal reasons.
“Timothy Lomai will partner Rodney Griffin in the second row in an otherwise unchanged line up announced last week,” Marum said.
He said there were concerns with Adex Wera (calf) and Ase Boas (hamstring) but the injuries are improving as the days go by.
“They’ve been attended to by the physios and are improving quite rapidly. They will be okay in the next 48 hours,” the coach said.
He said apart from this, the camp has been very good so far with all the players and staff mixing very well. “We had our final field session this morning (Thursday) and was really good,” he said.
The captain’s run will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 10am at Pirtek stadium, Paramatta.
The PNG LNG Kumuls play Fiji Batis at 5.30pm on Saturday followed by Tonga versus Samoa at 7.30pm at the Pirtek Stadium in Paramatta, Sydney.
Both matches will be televised ‘live’ to PNG and the Pacific by EMTV.
The PNG LNG Kumuls team vs Fiji Batis on Saturday is:
1. David MEAD – (Captain), 2. Justin OLAM, 3. Kato OTTIO, 4. Nene McDONALD, 5. Stargroth AMEAN, 6. Ase BOAS, 7. Watson BOAS, 8. Luke PAGE, 9. Wartovo PUARA Jnr, 10. Henry NOKI, 11. Timothy LOMAI, 12. Rod GRIFFIN, 13. Adam KORAVE, 14. Adex WERA, 15. Brandy PETER, 16. Willie MINOGA, 17. Kurt BAPTISTE, 18. Edward GOMA
Coach: Michael MARUM