Kurt Baptiste has been named as hooker in the PNG LNG Kumuls’ extended 21-man squad for this Sunday’s World Cup clash against Ireland in Port Moresby.
Moses Meninga, Nixon Put and Wartovo Puara Jr have all been named on the extended bench.
“Last weekend we didn’t know too much about the Wales side so put in four hookers. This weekend against Ireland will be much tougher so we made the change with Kurt starting at hooker and James at first receiver,” says coach Michael Marum.
“Wartovo is still on the extended bench so if there’s any changes to be made, we can always call on him.
“Stargroth missed last weekend so he’s starting from the bench.”
The Kumuls completed this afternoon’s training session and will have the day off tomorrow.
“Today was more on our skills and technique plays. Our defence is something that we’ll have to keep working on.”
The 21 man squad is: (three to be omitted)
1. David MEAD – Captain
2. Justin OLAM
3. Kato OTTIO
4. Nene MACDONALD
5. Garry LO
6. Ase BOAS
7. Watson BOAS
8. Stanton ALBERT
9. Kurt BAPTISTE
10. Luke PAGE
11. Rhyse MARTIN
12. Willie MINOGA
13. Paul AITON
14. James SEGEYARO
15. Wellington ALBERT
16. Stargroth AMEAN
17. Enock MAKI
18. Moses MENINGA
19. Lachlan LAM
20. Nixon PUT
21. Wartovo PUARA Jnr
The Wolfhounds will arrive in the country tomorrow.
Marum said he will finalise his 18-man squad by Friday. The captain’s run will take place at 3pm the next day.
Sunday’s Pool C match will kick off at 4pm at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.