Papua New Guinea Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou has named his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup, though the announcement comes alongside some major injury setbacks.
In a massive blow to the Kumuls’ campaign, veteran playmaker Lachlan Lam is unavailable. Lam requires surgery on his wrist following a grueling Super League season with the Leigh Leopards. The NRL’s all-time leading try scorer, Alex Johnston, is also ruled out as he undergoes necessary surgery on both his finger and knee.
Stepping into the halves to replace Lam is former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs utility and current Townsville Blackhawks halfback Bailey Biondi-Odo, who is set to make his Kumuls debut. Meanwhile, London Broncos fullback Morea Morea looms as the perfect replacement for Johnston at the back. They are joined in the backline by PNG Hunters fullback Sanny Wabo and St Helens center Nene Macdonald, whose tremendous versatility allows him to cover almost any position in the outside backs.
Parramatta Eels back-rower Luca Moretti will also make his international debut alongside club teammate Jack de Belin. Another exciting inclusion is Manly Warringah Sea Eagles center Josh Feledy, who earns his first call-up to the national side.
In a surprise boost to the squad’s depth, veteran playmaker Kyle Laybutt has come out of retirement and has been named to the extended squad. The roster heavily features Super League, Betfred Championship, NRL and the Queensland Hostplus Cup. Five players from the Central Queensland Capras and six representatives from the London Broncos are featured in the squad. North Queensland Cowboys outside backs Robert Derby and Zac Laybutt also provide significant star power to the squad.
Notable omissions from the tournament lineup include the Gold Coast Titans’ Cooper Bai and the Brisbane Broncos’ Xavier Coates.
PNG Kumuls 2026 World Cup Squad:
Bailey Biondi-Odo, Jack de Belin, Dudley Dotoi, Robert Derby, Josh Feledy, Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Edwin Ipape, Zev John, Epel Kapinias, Zac Laybutt, Nene Macdonald, Rhyse Martin, Robert Mathias, Morea Morea, Luca Moretti, Sylvester Namo, Nixon Putt, Valentine Richard, Rodrick Tai, Gairo Voro, Sanny Wabo, Khaiya Waiembi.
Extended Squad: Kyle Laybutt, Alex Max, Jacob Taulani.
