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.
Match: PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu
Week 1 -
home Team
PNG Kumuls
1st Position
away Team
Cook Islands Aitu
2nd Position
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
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.
Match: PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu
Week 1 -
home Team
PNG Kumuls
away Team
Cook Islands Aitu
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for PNG Kumuls is number 1 Alex JohnstonFullback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 1 Esom Ioka
-
Winger for PNG Kumuls is number 2 Robert DerbyWinger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 2 Malachi Morgan
-
Centre for PNG Kumuls is number 3 Zac LaybuttCentre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 3 Kayal Iro
-
Centre for PNG Kumuls is number 4 Rodrick TaiCentre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 4 Esan Marsters
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Winger for PNG Kumuls is number 5 Nene MacdonaldWinger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 5 Steven Marsters
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Five-Eighth for PNG Kumuls is number 6 Kyle LaybuttFive-Eighth for Cook Islands Aitu is number 6 Brad Takairangi
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Halfback for PNG Kumuls is number 7 Lachlan LamHalfback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 7 Tevin Arona
Forwards
-
Prop for PNG Kumuls is number 8 Epel KapiniasProp for Cook Islands Aitu is number 8 Davvy Moale
-
Hooker for PNG Kumuls is number 9 Judah RimbuHooker for Cook Islands Aitu is number 9 Rua Ngatikaura
-
Prop for PNG Kumuls is number 10 Valentine RichardProp for Cook Islands Aitu is number 10 Makahesi Makatoa
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2nd Row for PNG Kumuls is number 11 Jacob Alick2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 11 Zane Tetevano
-
2nd Row for PNG Kumuls is number 12 Dan Russell2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 12 Reuben Porter
-
Lock for PNG Kumuls is number 13 Jack De BelinLock for Cook Islands Aitu is number 13 Pride Petterson-Robati
Interchange
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Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 14 Liam HorneInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 15 Rhys Dakin
-
Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 15 Nixon PuttInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 16 Justin Estall-Makirere
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Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 16 Junior RopInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 17 Kadiyae Ioka
-
Interchange for PNG Kumuls is number 17 Benji KotInterchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 18 Takai Mokohar
Reserves
-
Replacement for PNG Kumuls is number 18 Cruise TenReplacement for Cook Islands Aitu is number 14 William Samuel
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
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.
