PNG Kumuls squad named for World Cup

PNG Kumuls Squad named. EMTV Photo

Sheffield Eagles' try-scoring sensation, Menzie Yere has been named in PNG’s 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad.

Yere is the most prolific try-scorer in British rugby league this season, scoring his 46th try in his team’s Championship Grand Final win over Batley on Sunday, 19-12.

Yere is joined by Huddersfield second rower, Jason Chan.

Adrian Lam's squad also includes former Hunslet hooker Charlie Wabo and Newcastle Knights utility forward Neville Costigan, who will be playing for Hull KR in 2014.

The Kumuls will go into camp next Monday before departing for the UK a week later and will play Scotland in a warm-up match at Featherstone on October 19 ahead of their opening World Cup match against France in Hull on October 27.

The final squad is a blend of local and overseas based players.

Chairman of the PNG Rugby Football League, Don Fox says they are confident with the inclusion of the 6 players who were unable to play in the PM XIII match, and the team will be ready and stronger to go.

While many may have their own opinion of the team, Chairman Fox is urging all Papua New Guineans to get behind the team as was the case in Kokopo at the PM’s XIII challenge.

NRL players named in the Kumul Team include Penrith Panthers James Segeyaro and Cowboys Ray Thompson apart from Neville Costigan, who’s Newcastle Knights, fell short of a 2013 NRL Grand Final appearance.

The Team Kumul Captain will be announced prior to departure on the 14th of October.

Caption: Team Kumul warming up before the PM's XIII match in Kokopo over the weekend.

EMTV