Kyle Laybutt

Laybutt, who played just six Queensland Cup matches for Sunshine Coast Falcons this season, impressed new Papua New Guinea coach Justin Holbrook when he took on the captaincy role in last month’s Prime Minister’s XIII match.

With Leeds second-rower Rhyse Martin not due to join the Kumuls squad until their next match against Fiji on October 29 after his partner Vanessa recently gave birth to a daughter Mya, Laybutt has again been given the job.

PNG LNG Kumuls for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

The official announcement was made today by national coach Justin Holbrook at a special luncheon with the Kumuls at the Digicel Head Office in Port Moresby today.

Following his x-factor performance leading an unknown PNG PM’s 13 side against a star studded Australian PM’s 13 in September this year, the Bundaberg born PNG international has again been overwhelmed to be  given the honors to lead the country again against the Cooks this Sunday.

Laybutt is again humbled to lead the team out on Sunday

He said his family were happy for him to get the call to represent PNG.

Kyle was out with his mates playing golf when he received the call-up and informed his family.

Kyle’s links to PNG date back to his great-grandparents, who ran a business for many years in Port Moresby.  Kyle’s grandmother was born in Madang.

Although growing up in Queensland Kyle has experienced PNG’s passion when playing for Townsville Blackhawks against the Hunters in Port Moresby.

Dan Russel, also said he was happy to be included in the team.