PNG Strengthens Ties with ADB as Marape Farewells Outgoing Country Director

 Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls have unveiled a powerful line-up to face the Cook Islands Aitu in Round 2 of the Pacific Championships Pacific Bowl, set for 4:00pm this Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The home side will be led by captain Lachlan Lam, as they aim to maintain their dominance on home soil and continue their winning form in front of passionate local fans.

PNG Kumuls Captain Lachlan Lam

The Kumuls’ starting side features Morea Morea at fullback, with Robert Derby and Zac Laybutt on the wings. Nene Macdonald and Alex Johnston form the centre pairing, while Gairo Voro partners skipper Lachlan Lam in the halves. Up front, Epel Kapinias and Edwin Ipape take charge in the pack alongside Jack De Belin, Rhys Martin, Nixon Putt, and Liam Horne. The interchange bench includes Finley Glare, Jacob Alick, Cooper Bai, and Sylvester Namo, with reserves Robert Mathias, Dudley Dotoi, and Valentine Richard also named.

Papua New Guinea Kumuls Line-Up:

1. Morea Morea

2. Robert Derby

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Nene Macdonald

5. Alex Johnston

6. Gairo Voro

7. Lachlan Lam (C)

8. Epel Kapinias

9. Edwin Ipape

10. Jack De Belin

11. Rhys Martin

12. Nixon Putt

13. Liam Horne
    Interchange: Finley Glare, Jacob Alick, Cooper Bai, Sylvester Namo
    Reserves: Robert Mathias, Dudley Dotoi, Valentine Richard

The Cook Islands Aitu have also named a competitive outfit, featuring Esan Marsters at fullback, Paul Ulberg and captain KL Iro in the backline, with Reubenn Rennie and Esom Ioka in the centres. Caelys-Paul Putoko and Cassius Cowley will guide the team around the park in the halves, while the forward pack boasts Makahesi Makatoa, Mason Teague, Tepai Moeroa, Brendan Piakura, Reuben Porter, and Pride Petterson-Robati. The interchange bench consists of Rua Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Delahia Wigmore, and Justin Makirere.

Cook Islands Aitu Line-Up:

1. Esan Marsters

2. Paul Ulberg

3. KL Iro (C)

4. Reubenn Rennie

5. Esom Ioka

6. Caelys-Paul Putoko

7. Cassius Cowley

8. Makahesi Makatoa

9. Mason Teague

10. Tepai Moeroa

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Reuben Porter

13. Pride Petterson-Robati
    Interchange: Rua Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Delahia Wigmore, Justin Makirere

Fans are expected to pack the Santos National Football Stadium for what promises to be an intense Pacific rugby league showdown. With both teams featuring a blend of NRL and rising domestic talent, Saturday’s encounter is tipped to deliver a thrilling and physical contest as both sides chase Pacific Bowl glory.

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PNG Strengthens Ties with ADB as Marape Farewells Outgoing Country Director