Playing alongside Zac was the highlight of my career, says retiring Kumul Kyle Laybutt

Zac (left) and Kyle Laybutt played together in the 2023 Pacific Championships for the first time to claim the Pacific Bowl title. *(Image: PNG LNG Kumuls)*

PNG Kumuls 2023 Pacific Championships winning captain Kyle Laybutt has admitted playing alongside young sibling Zac was the pivotal point of his career.

The 29-year-old revealed his retirement from professional rugby league after a 9-year journey playing in Hostplus Cup (then Queensland Cup), representing Papua New Guinea on 14 occasions and two National Rugby League appearances.

As he reflects on a momentous journey, Laybutt says donning the Kumul jumper together with Zac was a special moment that perfectly summarized his spell in elite rugby despite limited time in NRL.

“Truly the highlight of my career was that campaign alongside my brother. Something we could only have dreamed of,” Laybutt told NBC News of the memorable campaign where the siblings played together for Kumuls in the 2023 Pacific Championships in Port Moresby.

“Not a clear cut journey for sure, took me a while to adapt to living away and the level but wouldn’t change a thing.

“Honoured to cross paths with so many great athletes and share some crazy experiences.”

The Bundaberg born five-eight has spent most of his time in Queensland Rugby League competition where he became the most capped player for Townsville Blackhawks last year with 105 games, played 14 games for Mackay Cutters in 2018 and later made 6 appearances for Sunshine Coast Falcons two seasons ago.

Laybutt has recorded 125 games under his belt across 9 seasons since making his debut with the Blackhawks in 2016.

**Laybutt in action for Townsville Blackhawks. (Image: QRL)**

He had the opportunity to play beside 2015 NRL premiership winning five-eight Michael Morgan in 2017 when he made his top-grade debut for Cowboys.

Although his determination to play in Australia’s top-notch competition were short-lived, Laybutt’s love for the code were on display every time he had the opportunity to play.

“I just love rugby league, I wanted to just play at the highest level I could and prove as many people wrong as I could,” he said of the dynamic factor that kept his milestone journey alive.

“Obviously injury and adversity, not making sides and not getting to where you thought you would. But again the love of the sport was my driving force.”

Laybutt has had some memorable moments with the Kumuls since his first crack with the national team in 2018. He played a crucial role in the last World Cup where the Stanley Tepend-coached PNG outfit bowed out of quarterfinals in England.

The Kumuls playmaker qualified to represent PNG through his grandmother who was born and raised in Madang.

Laybutt has claimed the Kumul no.6 jersey as his own and his presence in the red, black and gold colors have proved fruitful – his tackling technique and defence will be a legacy that will remain in the heart of every PNG fan that has followed his journey.

PNG international Kyle Laybutt in action for Kumuls during the 2024 Pacific Championships. *(Image: PNG LNG Kumuls)*

A white Kumul that represented the country whole heartedly, Laybutt said playing for PNG is something that he will cherish for the rest of his life.

“I felt immense pride and felt I owed the country my best effort every single time I wore the jersey,” Laybutt said of what it means to represent the Kumuls.

“I was nervous how I would be received by everyone as I qualified through my grandmother’s heritage but I loved every second of it and will never forget it.

“I would love to thank every single one of you for the messages, the signs, the posts, the cheers, the photos and the support. It has truly been an honour representing this country and I hope I did everyone proud.”

As the Kumul no.292 recaps on a glittering journey that he had for nearly a decade, his retirement comes on the eve of PNG’s entry into NRL.

Although it could be a potential blow for NRL’s newest team, Laybutt is certain the Papua New Guinea franchise could shake up the competition by 2028.

“Can’t wait for it and its exciting times, I know the country will embrace it and we will 100% be a force in the NRL,” he said.

Meanwhile, Laybutt will continue to play local footy in Townsville post retirement as he ventures into a new environment outside of professional rugby.

“I’ll plan to work on my career post footy in regards to employment and study, as well as give back to local community football sides,” he concluded.