Kumuls eye title defense, 6 to debut
Papua New Guinea will unleash six debutants in the upcoming Pacific Championships following the announcement of the national team yesterday.
Rookie coach Jason Demetriou has named a 21-man squad for the campaign against Fiji on October 13 and Cook Islands [November 3] in the bowl tournament.
Five PNG Hunters players from the preliminary final playoff in Sanny Wabo, Ila Alu, Alex Max, Elijah Roltinga, Koso Bandi, and Queensland Capras rookie of the year Khaiya Waiembi are in line to make their Kumuls test debut.
Demetriou has assembled the team in Port Moresby ahead of the first match against Fiji Batis next week in Suva.
The former NRL coach knows how much PNG players value the Kumul jersey and is adamant about plotting their Pacific Bowl quest.
"It's a different feeling in this type of rep camp because the jersey means so much to the players and you can feel that," Demetiou said of being part of national team.
"You can feel the passion and the energy that when they go out on the training field that they're getting excited to represent their province, their family and their country.
"And I'm just really privileged to be part of that."
In his first official gig as the head coach of PNG Kumuls, Demetriou will guide a stack team, who will be out to defend the bowl title.
Kumuls squad is comprised of both Super League stars and NRL prospects.
Leigh Leopards duo Edwin Ipape and Lachlam will direct the spine with the assistance of Kyle Laybutt and Judah Rimbu.
The 2024 Hostplus Cup best player, Rimbu, had a dynamic season with the Hunters, and coach Demetriou will be banking on him to lead the pack alongside veteran Kumul players, Nene Macdonald and Rhyse Martin.
The inclusion of North Devils premiership winning forward Jeremiah Simbiken and Dragons prop Jack De Belin will add size and power to the Kumuls pack as they match up with Fijian towering forwards led by skipper Tui Kamicamica.
Kumuls are set to depart to Suva next week after the Prime Minister's XIII games tomorrow.
