PNG Young Talent Time
Many of the potential PNG team for 2028 have been identified by PNG head of elite pathways Joey Grima for selection in the 2024 Junior Kumuls or PM's XIII but are yet to play NRL or Super League.
Finley Glare (hooker, age 21): Spotted playing for Lae and featured in the majority of games for PNG Hunters last season. Sound knowledge of the game and exciting out of dummy half.
Phillip Coates (centre, age 18): Younger brother of Storm winger Xavier Coates. A giant in stature, he creates opportunities with his huge frame and rugby league IQ. Has an incredible ability in the air and is also a strong defender who dominates his opponents. Currently contracted to Brisbane Broncos.
Sam Stephenson (centre, age 18): Played for the Junior Kumuls in 2023 and Australian Schoolboys in 2024. Contracted to Gold Coast Titans for the next three seasons. A powerful and strong running back.
Bradley Orosambo (halfback, age 19): Selected in the PNG Schoolboys team after winning player of the tournament with Lae. A cheeky and dominant player who executes plays well. He is also an excellent kicker of the ball and strong defender. Was chosen by SP Hunters coach Paul Aiton for a pre-season training opportunity with his Hostplus Cup squad.
Emmanuel Balio (prop): Hails from Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. An aggressive player who received lots of praise for his performance with the Junior Kumuls against Australian Schoolboys. A player who can play big minutes and leads with his actions. Plays for PRK Mendi Muruks in the domestic Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup competition and dominates his senior opponents.
Vane Manuma (prop, age 19): Among the tallest players in PNG, Manuma has a massive frame that allows him to create opportunities with the ball. Comes from a remote village in Aroma, Central Province. His ability and potential earned Manuma a training contract with the SP Hunters and his willingness to learn and grow as a player make him an ideal prospect.
Gairo Voro (five-eighth, age 21): Hailing from a remote fishing village in Abau District, Central Provence, Voro looked up to Darren Lockyer as a junior. An aggressive defender, who possesses patience and excellent skills with the ball, Voro has the ability to play anywhere in the backline. A leader on the field, he is currently contracted to SP Hunters.
Cooper Bai (middle forward, age 18): Son of PNG legend Marcus Bai, Cooper has been rewarded with a contract with Gold Coast Titans. A syndesmosis injury ruled Bai out of contention for the Junior Kumuls but he has representative experience with Queensland U19s. A real steward of the game, Bai will get his opportunities through hard work and rugby league IQ.
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