The PNG Kumuls is the only team that has more players from the Queensland Intrust Super Cup Competition in the team for the Pacific Test. Almost every player named in the Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, England and Cook Islands teams are NRL based.
As for PNG, a total of 14 players will use their experience from the 2nd strongest competition in Australia to take on the Cook Islands.
Stargroth Amean has been put in to replace David Mead in the fullback position. Amean made his debut for the Kumuls on the wings last year when they beat the Fiji Batis. He comes into the team with more experience playing in the fullback position for the SP PNG Hunters.
The backline will see Justin Olam, Thompson Teteh and Adex Wera play in their accustomed positions. Ase and Watson Boas were outstanding in the Kumuls win last year over the Fiji Batis, both brothers controlled the game all throughout the 80 minutes.
The Boas brothers have also had a good start with the SP PNG Hunters this season.
Henry Wan has picked up form this year and has been damaging in the forward pack. His long carries and being able to break the oppositions defence will be a bonus for the Kumuls this weekend.
Luke Page from the Burleigh Bears will also add depth to the team when he starts in the front row.
The experience of Rhys Martin and Rod Griffin from the Bulldogs will help boost the team.
Wartovo Puara will guide the forward pack when he takes his place in the hooker position. He will also be helped out by East Tigers hooker, Tommy Butterfield who comes off the bench.
Hunter’s vice-captain and hard runner Wellington Albert who has had a great start to the ISC Season, comes off the bench while brother, Stanton Albert starts in the Lock forward position. Both brothers are capable of line breaks and add height and size to the forward pack. Nixon Put will also be destructive when coming off the bench.
Though the team is without David Mead, Kato Ottio Kurt Baptist, and a few other players, they have a great mix of experience which can see them overcome the Cook Islands.
The match will be shown Live on Saturday the 6th of May at 3:15pm on your number one station, EMTV.
