Kumuls named for 9s

Posted on The National

BRISBANE Broncos hooker James Segeyaro is expected to captain the Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls at the Rugby League World Cup Nines in Sydney, Australia, from Oct 18-19.
Hela Wigmen centre Stanford Talita is the only fulltime Digicel Cup player named in Michael Marum’s 16-man squad. Announcing the national sides yesterday, PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka said the Kumuls and Oil Search Orchids (women) players were selected on form and performance, with most having just completed their season.
Orchids executive committee chairman Ruth Waram said the team were selected on agility and speed.
“We may still be finding our feet in the 13s game but this shorter version will suit our style and athleticism, which we naturally have,” Waram said.
Waram said the team would be coached by Bagelo Solien.
“He did a good job with the women at the Pacific Games and against the Brisbane Broncos women’s team last month so I have every confidence and support in him,” Waram said.
Kumuls executive committee chairman Sudhir Guru said Marum and the national selectors had picked a strong team and “they will do us proud in this shorter version”.
Only four nations – Australia, New Zealand, England and PNG – are competing in the women’s tournament.
Twelve nations are competing in the men’s tournament with the Kumuls in Pool A alongside Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
England, France, Lebanon and Wales make up Pool B while Pool C has Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
The Kumuls and Orchids will assemble in Port Moresby on Monday.
The tournament will be played at Bankwest Stadium – home of the Parramatta Eels.
Kumuls: Stargroth Amean (Barrow Raiders), Watson Boas (Barrow Raiders), Edwin Epape (Wynnum Manly), Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly), Lachlan Lam (Sydney Roosters), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Bernard Lewis (Sydney Roosters), Garry Lo (Hunters), Rhys Martin (Leeds Rhino), Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Nixon Putt (North Devils), Daniel Russell (North Queensland Cowboys), James Segeyaro (Brisbane Broncos), Jedidiah Simbiken (Redcliffe Dolphins), Stanford Talita (Hela Wigmen), Terry Wapi (Hunters).
Orchids: Elsie Albert (UNRE Cowgirls), Catherine Anjo (Hohola Flies), Heather Ario (Gabutu Dragons), Lekiellia Brown (Wentworthville Magpies), Shae-Yvonne Dela-Cruz (Easts Tigers), Carol Francis (Gabutu Dragons), Shirley Joe (Eriku Panthers), Janet Johns (Hanuabada Hawks), Roswita Kapo (Paga Panthers), Sera Koroi (Goodna Eagles), Ua Ravu (Leeton Greens), Jacobeth Wake (Royas Ramu League), Joyce Waula (Blackswan Royals), Veronica Waula (Royals), Angelo Watego (Capalaba Warriors), Josephine Wong (Nightcliff Dragons).

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