Papua New Guinea: How the Kumuls could line-up at the World Cup

We’re creating how each nation could line-up ahead of the World Cup, in collaboration with He Can Play For. This week, it’s Papua New Guinea!

In these weekly feature pieces, we are selecting our predicted side who can represent Papua New Guinea. This can include players born in that country, with heritage to the nation or even residency.

The first six were France, Jamaica, Cook Islands, Fiji, Ireland and Wales. Now it is time for Papua New Guinea…

The North Queensland Cowboys full-back is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in world rugby league. He was born in Port Moresby and has already represented the Junior Kangaroos, but also dreams of representing his motherland one day.

Johnston was born in Sydney and is of Papua New Guinean and Torres Strait Islander heritage. He made his international debut for Australia in 2015 before playing for Papua New Guinea in 2019.

The 27-year-old won the NRL Premiership with the Rabbitohs in 2014. He has scored 150 tries in 179 games for the club.

Chumbu-born Olam is one of the best centres in the world right now. The 28-year-old has already won nine caps for his country and will be hoping to play in his second World Cup this autumn.

Olam has scored 36 tries in 76 games for Melbourne. He helped Storm win the NRL Premiership in 2020.

The 28-year-old has proven to be a brilliant signing for promotion-chasing Championship side Leigh.

Port Moresby-born Macdonald has won nine caps for the Kumuls. He could play in his third World Cup this year if selected by coach Stanley Tepend.

Port Moresby-born Coates, 21, is one of the best wingers in the NRL at present. He has scored 28 tries in 43 NRL games for Brisbane and Melbourne.

Coates made his international debut for his country in 2019 and