Fresh off an impressive Prime Minister’s XIII showing which involved most of their squad, the Kumuls take on the Cook Islands in their first home Test match in four years.
Former Titans coach Justin Holbrook made a promising start to his tenure in charge of Papua New Guinea, going toe-to-toe with the Australia PM’s XIII in an eventual 30-18 loss last month.
Having gained the services of Jack de Belin to go alongside prolific Rabbitohs back Alex Johnston, the Kumuls have some good NRL experience and players from the UK Super League who have enjoyed strong seasons in 2023.
The Cook Islands don’t have that level of top-flight personnel available but will be looking to kick off a new era under the coaching of Karmichael Hunt in positive fashion, with a squad made up mostly of former NRL players or emerging talent from lower levels.
In the most recent of their six head-to-head meetings the Kumuls ran out 32-16 winners at last year’s World Cup, leaving the Cook Islands still searching for their first win over Papua New Guinea.
Historically Papua New Guinea have been a formidable force in matches played in Port Moresby and their last Test in the capital city saw them produce an upset victory over the Great Britain Lions.
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Team News
Papua New Guinea: Jack de Belin will make his Test debut at lock for Justin Holbrook's side and joins Dragons teammate Dan Russell and Titans prospect Jacob Alick in the forward pack. Storm centre Justin Olam is the major omission from the 17 and is under an injury cloud, but has been included in the wider squad, with Zac Laybutt and Rodrick Tai named in the centres. Alex Johnston moves from his usual spot on the wing to line up at fullback. Edwin Ipape is serving a one-game suspension from the RFL and has not been named.
Cook Islands: Brad Takairangi is the new five-eighth for the Cook Islands, partnering Tevin Arona in the halves. Esan and Steven Marsters are set to combine on the same edge as the centre-wing pairing, while NRL established forwards Davvy Moala and Zane Tetevano headline the side's forward pack. Cronulla young gun Kayal Iro is one to watch after being named in the centres.
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Stat Attack
- PNG half Lachlan Lam had 21 try assists this year, the equal-fifth most in the Super League.
- The Cook Islands have seven players with NRL experience in their squad while the Kumuls have 11.
- The Cook Islands have won once in their past four matches, all of which were played last year.