McDonald out, Ase Boas in for Pacific Test Against Fiji Bati

Nene McDonald in action for the Kumuls 

St George Illawarra Dragons winger Nene McDonald has been ruled out of the PNG LNG Kumuls
team due to a shoulder injury sustained over the weekend. He has been replaced by PNG Hunters
captain Ase Boas.

PNG LNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum told reporters at the airport before departing for Sydney
today that the Dragons medical staff had advised him McDonald suffered the shoulder injury during
the game against Manly on Saturday.

“Nene McDonald will not be playing. The Dragons medical staffs have ruled him out. However he will
join the team in camp in Sydney,” Marum said.
Marum said Ase Boas was advised late yesterday of his inclusion in the team after he received word
from the Dragons medical staff. “We have decided to include Ase Boas and he is travelling with us today,” Marum said.

The 10 PNG Hunters – Adex Wera, Enoch Maki, Junior Rau, Nixon Putt, Rhadley Brawa, Stanton
Albert, Willie Minoga, Thompson Teteh, Watson Boas, Ase Boas and coaching staff - Michael Marum,
Nigel Hukula, Timothy Lepa and head trainer Solomon Kuluniasi left Port Moresby this afternoon. They meet up with the Australian based players in Sydney tonight.

Marum will name the captain tomorrow (Tuesday) after the team photo shoot in Sydney. The final
17 man team will be named on Wednesday.
The team will be staying at the Rydges Hotel in Campbelltown, west of Sydney.

The PNG LNG Kumuls take on Fiji Batis in the 1st of the Pacific Test double headers at Campbelltown
at 4pm this Saturday June 23, 2018.

Meanwhile Marum has clarified the situation surrounding South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston’s non
selection in the PNG LNG Kumuls team. He said Johnston withdrew from the team to recover from
niggling injuries and rest during the bye weekend. “We notified Alex and advised him of his selection into the team,” Marum said. “However he advised
of his withdrawal from the team to take a break during this bye weekend and recover from injuries
and take a rest. That’s his decision and we respect that,” Marum said.

Photo credit: Post Courier