PNG rugby league adds Italian-born forward to World Cup plans

Papua New Guinea's Rugby League World Cup preparations have taken an unexpected turn after Parramatta forward Luca Moretti emerged as a shock inclusion in the Kumuls' 40-man preliminary squad, opening the door for a switch of international allegiance from Italy.

Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou confirmed the utility forward's PNG heritage has put him firmly in calculations for the tournament PNG will co-host later this year, even though the mentor has kept the bulk of his squad list under wraps for now.

 

 

Speaking after London Broncos thrashed Swinton 66-18 on the weekend, Demetriou said Moretti's background made him too good an option to overlook. "I think it will come out – Luca Moretti from Parramatta is of PNG descent," he said. "He's a big chance of making his debut this year, pushing his way into the squad."

Moretti, who grew up on Sydney's Tamarama beaches to Italian parents, wore the Azzurri jersey three times at the 2022 World Cup before becoming available for PNG selection. Demetriou downplayed suggestions there was anything dramatic behind the Randwick-born forward's switch, saying it was simply a matter of due diligence from his coaching staff. "We're just finding people who are eligible and giving them a call," he said.

The coach also gave a nod to a handful of Queensland-based troops pushing for Kumuls selection, singling out Rodrick Tai, Valentine Richard and Nixon Putt from the Capras. "You've got guys who are playing for the Capras now who are playing really good footy," Demetriou said. "They're a big chance of winning in the finals and PNG boys have had a great season over there."

Elsewhere, London centre Alex Max looked to have shaken off a nagging knee complaint, crossing for a hat-trick against Swinton just days after sitting out the 1895 Cup final due to fitness doubts. Demetriou confirmed Max remains part of the wider squad picture but stressed nothing was guaranteed. "The 40-man squad, he's in," he said. "By the mid-September, early October we need to name our 23-man squad and anyone who's in that 40 will have their opportunity to impress and push themselves into the 23."

He added that fitness would be non-negotiable, particularly among the outside backs. "Ultimately, you need to be playing well and fit. He's still carrying a little bit out there today. It's important to get games under your belt in finals. Especially in the outside backs, you can't go into a game with a doubt someone might not finish a game. We have to have players who can play the 80 otherwise it hurts our rotation."

Max's intercept try, run back 70 metres, was singled out as the standout moment of his return. "He looked quick – and powerful," Demetriou said. "He took a big step in the right direction today, Alex. That's what we need from him and to see him enjoy his footy and that's what he did today."