PNG Government appoints Karl Yalo as Air Niugini's Board Chairman

 The Papua New Guinea Kumuls will take on the Fiji Bati in the final round of the Pacific Championships.  This match will be played  on Sunday October 29 at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The team list 

PNG confirmed team

1. Alex Johnston

2. Robert Derby

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Benji Kot

5. Nene MacDonald

6. Kyle Laybutt

7. Lachlan Lam

8. Epel Kapinias

9. Edwin Ipape

10. Valentine Richard

11. Rhyse Martin

12. Dan Russell

13. Jack de Belin

Interchange 

14. Judah Rimbu

15. Wellington Albert 

16. Keven Appo

17. Jacob Alick

 

Reserves

18. Liam Horne

19. Nixon Putt

20. Junior Rop

21. MacKenzie Yei

Justin Olam has succumbed to a knee injury which caused him to miss the Kumuls' first game against the Cook Islands. He has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament, as has fellow centre Rodrick Tai. 

Benji Kot has been elevated from the bench into the starting side in the absence of Tai. 

Edwin Ipape returns from suspension to take over at hooker from Judah Rimbu, while Rhyse Martin is also recalled and will start in the backrow ahead of Jacob Alick. 

Wellington Albert and Keven Appo have been added to Justin Holbrook's interchange rotation with Liam Horne or Nixon Putt dropping out of the 17. 

Fiji confirmed team

1. Jahream Bula

2. Maika Sivo

3. Sunia Turuva

4. Waqa Blake

5. Mikaele Ravalawa

6. Kurt Donoghoe

7. Brandon Wakeham

8. Tui Kamikamica

14. Noah Nailagoliva

10. King Vuniyayawa

11. Kitione Kautoga

13. Taane Milne

15. Caleb Navale

 

Interchange 

9. Penioni Tagituimua

12. Apisalome Saukuru

16. Gordon Whippy

19. Mesake Ravonu

 Reserves 

18. Jason Qareqare

17. Watisoni Waqanisaravi

20. Sirilo Lovokuro

21. Pio Seci 

Fiji team news

Mikaele Ravalawa has escaped suspension for a high shot last week and will line up on the wing once again in an unchanged backline. 

Backrower Kitione Kautoga also escaped a ban after being cited for a Grade 2 careless high tackle with a fine of 13 per cent of his match fees with an early guilty plea.  

King Vuniyayawa will start at prop and partner skipper Tui Kamikamica up front with Gordon Whippy dropping back to the bench. 

Mesake Ravonu has been added to the bench with Sirilo Lovokuro and Watisoni Waqanisaravi missing out. 

NRL/SportNews/PNGToday

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PNG Government appoints Karl Yalo as Air Niugini's Board Chairman