PNG Kumuls in Hunter mode

Nine Papua New Guinea Hunters players have been named in the 18-man Kumuls squad that will take on Fiji in the Pacific test on Saturday.
Israel Eliab, Wartovo Puara Jr, Adam Korave, Willie Minoga, Kato Ottio, Brandy Peter, Noel Zeming, Thompson Teteh and Lawrence Tu’u have all been included in Mal Meninga’s team.
Eliab has been in form for the Hunters in the five-eighth role while Zeming’s goal kicking is a plus for the side. Puara has been rewarded for his sharp form out of dummyhalf all season and will combine well with club captain Eliab.
The line-up has three debutants in Luke Page (Canberra Raiders), Matt Trnka (Souths Logan Magpies) and Josh Damen (Souths Logan Magpies).
The hard-charging Page is expected to start at prop while backs Damen and Trnka are options for the fullback and wing positions.
A notable exclusion from the squad is Gold Coast Titans winger David Mead, who had been earlier named in the 29-man train-on Kumul team squad last month.
Though named in the squad, Mead opted to play for the New South Wales Country team — in an attempt to don the NSW Origin jumper.
A NSW Origin or Kangaroo spot is looking grim for the former Kumul international — who cost the Kumuls a quarter-finals playoff in the 2013 World Cup in England by missing a conversion in front of the post against Scotland in a pool match.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka yesterday confirmed that the team had assembled on the Gold Coast, where they are preparing for the Test match.
“The full team is already in camp at the Gold Coast with Kumuls head coach Mal Meninga,” Tsaka said.
“We are looking forward to Saturday’s match which will reflect the rugby league programme we have in the country. The team is building up towards the Test match and the Hunters programme has provided a platform for us in the build-up.”
The only experienced NRL players named in the side is North Queensland Cowboys halfback Ray Thompson, who can slot in hooker or five-eighth, and Sydney Roosters winger Nene MacDonald.
Israel Eliab is expected to be named captain, with either Ray Thompson or Tyson Martin deputising.
Meanwhile, Fiji have named a side featuring 12 NRL players for Saturday’s fixture.
The Bati proved their quality via their strong showing at the 2013 World Cup but will be disappointed at missing out on the Four Nations last year following their defeat to Samoa in the 2014 Pacific Test. The Natioinaal/ PNG Today