Leigh trio named in experienced Papua New Guinea squad for World Cup

Leigh trio Lachlan Lam, Nene Macdonald and Edwin Ipape have been included in the Papua New Guinea squad for the World Cup.

All three players helped the Centurions clinch promotion to Super League on Sunday. Adrian Lam’s side defeated Batley 44-12 in the Championship Grand Final.

Ipape has been named Championship Player of the Year for 2022 after a standout debut season in England.

There are three more UK-based players who will be joining them in the Kumuls camp – Rhyse Martin (Leeds), Watson Boas (Doncaster) and Wellington Albert (London Broncos).

PNG coach Stanley Tepend staid: “The players in the UK have all been part of our Kumuls team in the past, and whenever they’ve worn the jersey none of them have let Papua New Guinea down.

“They’re all in good form and have all played together before, so getting them settled into camp shouldn’t be any issue.”

Tepend has included four NRL stars in his side – Jacob Alick (Titans), Xavier Coates (Storm), Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) and Justin Olam (Storm).

Queensland Cup side PNG Hunters provide six players, whilst there are three from Central Queensland Capras.

KUMULS: Papua New Guinea relishing underdogs tag, says Lachlan Lam

Papua New Guinea squad for World Cup:

Wellington Albert (London Broncos)

Jacob Alick (Gold Coast Titans)

Keven Appo (PNG Hunters)

Watson Boas (Doncaster)

Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm)

Edene Gebbie (Townsville Blackhawks)

Edwin Ipape (Leigh)

Zev John (Central Queensland Capras)

Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Lachlan Lam (Leigh)

Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks)

Nene Macdonald (Leigh)

Rhyse Martin (Leeds)

Sylvester Namo (PNG Hunters)

Jimmy Ngutlik (Western Suburbs Magpies)

Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)

Nixon Putt (Central Queensland Capras)

Dan Russell (Brisbane Tigers)

Jeremiah Simbiken (Redcliffe Dolphins)

Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters)

Sherwin Tanabi (PNG Hunters)

Wesser Tenza (PNG Hunters)

Emmanuel Waine (PNG Hunters)

McKenzie Yei (Central Queensland Capras)

Papua New Guinea are in a group alongside Tonga, Wales and the Cook Islands. The Kumuls get their World Cup campaign underway against Tonga at St Helens on Sunday, October 16.

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