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Jessie Joe Parker named in Kumul Squad for 2013 Rugby League World Cup

JESSIE-Joe Nandye has earned that Papua New Guinea Kumul ‘walk-in’ status.
But Nandye brushed that aside despite his experience in the national team, saying the huge improvement in the Digicel Cup player has made selection tougher.
Nandye, formerly Parker, believes the Kumul trial match will be a hot one and certainly no spot for next week’s Prime Minister’s XIII match was a sure bet.
The only player not to play Digicel Cup this year has been slotted in a star-studded PNG Gold team that will play PNG Red in the final selection trial for spots in Lam’s final 22-man squad for next week’s Prime MinistersXIII clash in Kokopo.
Nandye did not complete his stint with Whitehaven because of personal reasons this year but did have a standout season, nearly breaking the club try-scoring record of 31 with 27 touch downs this season.
“I have however secured myself for another two years with the signing of the contract before I left,” he said.
The 29-year-old of Ialibu, Southern High­lands) and Kafuku, Eastern Highlands, parentage who took part in the 2008 World Cup believes the new Kumuls have progressed for the better under coaching director Mal Meninga and coach Adrian Lam.
“One thing I can see is that the players are understanding the calls and patterns better. Probably the biggest improvement is that there are more talkers among the players,” he said.
Nandye said since he came on the national scene during the 2007 Europe tour, he had grown to understand the game better, especially with his stint with Whitehaven.
He said all he had learnt he had done his bit to pass it on through his Gerehu connection with the Brothers off-season team in the Hohola competition.
“Some have come through to the top level, including the Wallen brothers – Dickson and Nelson – and Pipi Kilori with Isapea to name a few,” he said.
He said the Gahuko off-season competition in Goroka was a great breeding ground for players as he once played for the Kafuku Spiders.
Playing at centre all season, the rangy ball-player gives Lam options at five-eighth.
He said it meant a lot to wear the Kumuls jumper and the feeling was good among the 32 players in camp.
But he warned all friendships ould be left on the sideline on Sunday
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