Duo ruled out as Hunters quartet set for debut against Fiji

PNG Kumuls hooker Edwin Ipape and SP Hunters center Alex Max have been sidelined by injuries and will not feature in round one of the Pacific Championships this weekend.

Hunters' quartet Elijah Roltinga, Robert Mathias, Koso Bandi, and Ila Alu will etch their name in the Kumul jumper for the first time as PNG looks to overcome Fiji in the Pacific Bowl opener this Saturday.

Roltinga and Mathias have been named in the starting side at winger and center positions respectively whilst Bandi and Alu will debut off the bench.

Kumul veteran Rhyse Martin will captain the Jason Demetriou-coached side against the Batis at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva for the 6:10pm match.

Hostplus Cup top player Judah Rimbu will take over the no.9 jersey in the absence of Ipape with coach Demetriou shifting Red Devils strike-weapon Nene Macdonald to fullback.

Despite the non-attendance of few players from the 2023 Pacific Championship roster, veteran Macdonald was confident PNG would still maintain its reputation against Fiji as the rivalry continues in Suva.

“I've got a lot of good mates that play for them. We get along well when we're off the field, but when we're on the field, it's like we're not friends anymore,” Macdonald told NRL.

“It’s a good rivalry. We go at each other, but it all stays on the field, so we battle it out for our countries, and then we shake hands after.”

Halfback Lachlan Lam will play his 10th test for PNG, pairing up with five-eight Kyle Laybutt in a formidable spine which includes Jack De Belin at lock.

Hunters rampaging forward Valentine Richard and Jacob Alick Wienke will front the pack against a strong presence of Batis lineup led by hulky forward and skipper Tui Kamicamica.

North Devils premiership winner Jeremiah Simbiken and goal-kicking ace Martin will boost PNG’s forward department at backrow.

Kumuls team vs Fiji:

Coach: Jason Demetriou