Papua New Guinea have named three Super League and six NRL players in a 25-strong squad for their France and Wales tour. Their tour opens with the match against Wales at the Brewery Field in Bridgend this Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

The PNG national selectors picked the team on Sunday after watching an origin match between local and overseas based players in Port Moresby where the overseas players won 27-26 in extra time.

Kumuls coach, the former Wigan half-back Adrian Lam said: “I believe the best has been chosen to take on France and Wales, I’m confident that the tour will be a successful one and will enable us to build up to the Rugby League World Cup in Australia at the end of next year.”

The team leaves for Wales today.

The squad: John Wilshere (Salford City Reds), Stanley Gene (Hull KR), Makali Aizu (Hull KR), Steve Franciscus (Canberra Raiders), Keith Peters (Penrith Panthers), Tu Maori (Cronulla Sharks), Paul Aiton (Penrith Panthers), James Nightingale (Penrith Panthers), Rod Griffin (Wests Tigers), George Keppa (Brisbane Easts), Kevin Prior (Redcliffe Dolhpins), Trevor Exton (Ipswich Jets, Australia), Menzie Yere (Kokopo Island Gurias), Michael Mark (Port Moresby Bulldogs), Gimapau Keimelo (Wri Vele Raiders), Jessie Joe (Port Moresby Bulldogs), Benjamin John (Port Moresby Bulldogs), Rodney Pora (Kokopo Island Gurias), Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks), Nigel Hukula (Goroka Lahanis), George Moni (Mendi Muruks), Joseph Omae (Mendi Muruks), Nixon Kolo (Wri Vele Raiders), Porian Bal (Pagini Warriors), Nicko Slain (Goroka Lahanis)

Team officials: Adrian Lam (coach) Michael Marum and Brendan Lam (assistant coaches), Mat Natucsh (physio) and Joe Walter (trainer)

article by Ian Golden
22 October 2007