Papua New Guinea has named eight members of the Kumuls team that beat Fiji in the mid-season Test for Sunday's Prime Minister's XIII clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Stanley Tepend has chosen a 20-man squad comprising players from the Queensland and NSW Cups as well as the domestic PNG competition to go into camp in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Despite many players being unavailable due to finals commitments, Tepend said the match against the Australian PM's XIII was a real opportunity for players to put their best foot forward for selection in the World Cup squad.
“I will be looking at the new players coming into this game, with each of them a genuine chance at making it into the World Cup squad," Tepend said.
We have spots available, and this is their opportunity to prove that no matter what we face or what situation we are put in, we rise together.
Stanley Tepend Papua New Guinea coach
"We will be coming up against a good Australian team and playing at the best rugby league stadium. So, it’s important for this group of boys to not let the occasion get to them but play the way we want to.”
Papua New Guinea will lean on a solid defensive structure, showcased against Fiji, with a close-knit group of players from the Queensland Cup, including Central Queensland Capras trio Zev John, Nixon Putt and Mckenzie Yei.
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“These eight did their job against Fiji and that’s why they have been given another opportunity at this level," Tepend said.
"Playing Australia in this match will be no different. Every player selected was the best we could pick considering all the clashing finals on same weekend and injuries to key players recently were factors out of our control during this selection process.
"However, we hope to carry on from what we built in the Pacific Test and give our boys a competitive hit-out before the World Cup squad is announced."
Tepend has also injected new blood from PNG's Digicel Cup into the squad, with the in-form Leon Undupia (Mendi Muruks) a standout player in the competition. Players from the Agmark Gurias and Hela Wigman were unavailable due to their involvement in the final.
PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina, on behalf of the PNGRFL Board, congratulated the team and commended Tepend and his support staff for the great work done.
“We have every confidence in the team and know they will do us proud on Sunday,” Mr Hondina said
“We also extend our appreciation to the NRL and DFAT for hosting this event, especially after what has been a tough three years with not much international football.
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"This game is bigger than just football, it’s about our shared heroes and history, bilateral relationships and most importantly the people-to-people connection we have that is even stronger with this sport.”
“Our domestic partners in PNGLNG, Digicel, KPHL, NGCB and BSP, without your support this wouldn’t be possible and PNGRFL is greatly indebted by that."
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