PNG Kumuls PM's XIII squad announced

The PNG Rugby Football League late this afternoon announced the 21 man PNG Kumul Prime Minister’s thirteen squad to take on the Australian Kangaroos Prime Minister’s thirteen in Kokopo next month.

The squad was endorsed by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill this morning before being released in line with protocol for the 10th year anniversary of the PM’s thirteen match. 

The 21 man squad includes overseas based players Wellington Albert, Rhys Martin, Mark Mexico and 2014 Intrust Super Cup player of the year and Canberra Raiders contracted player Luke Page.

James Segeyaro, Ray Thompson, Nene McDonald and Jayden Hodges were unavailable for selection while South Sydney winger Alex Johnson is likely to be named in the Australian PM X111 side.

Both David Mead and Rod Griffin are also excluded from the Kumuls, with Mead scheduled to walk his bride-to-be down the aisle in an October wedding, likewise for Griffin.

Head coach Mal Meninga expressed confidence in the squad which was finalized in consultation with selectors and his assistant and Hunters mentor Michael Marum.

In a media statement released this afternoon, Meninga said the selection focus was on combinations and youth.

He said the Hunters who dominate the team have had a fantastic season and have proven to be worthy of wearing the infamous Kumul colors, representing PNG.

Meninga said the squad is fit and ready to take on what will be a star studded Australian team.

Mark Mexico is expected to join the squad when it assembles in Kokopo on Sunday, whilst Luke Page is waiting on visa requirements to be met before joining the team

Wellington Albert will join after getting clearance from the surgeon next Tuesday while Rhys Martin currently in the Sydney Roosters top 25 player list will finish his senior club commitments before joining the squad.

The Prime Minister’s X111 match is set for October 12 in Kokopo.

Dion Aiye - PNG Hunters 

Wellington Albert - NYC Penrith 

Stanton Albert - PNG Hunters

Israel Eliab - PNG Hunters 

Adam Korave - PNG Hunters 

Roger Laka - PNG Hunters 

Gary Lo- PNG Hunters 

Timothy Lomai - PNG Hunters 

Rhys Martin - NYC Roosters 

Mark Mexico - NSW Cup Cronulla 

Willie Minoga- PNG Hunters 

Luke Page - ISC Souths Logan 

Sebastine Pandia - PNG Hunters 

Brandy Peter - PNG Hunters 

Wartovo Puara - PNG Hunters 

Esau Siune - PNG Hunters 

Jason Tali - PNG Hunters 

Thompson Tete - PNG Hunters 

Lawrence Tu’u - PNG Hunters 

Adex Wera- PNG Hunters 

Noel Zeming- PNG Hunters