Papua New Guinea’s Dream 17 Lineup Unveiled
As the rugby league world eagerly awaits the unveiling of dream teams from various nations, the spotlight turns to the formidable lineup that Papua New Guinea could field. Collaborating with the experts at He Can Play For, we present the Kumuls’ Dream 17, a squad brimming with talented players who have made their mark across the NRL, Super League, and beyond.
Leading the charge is South Sydney Rabbitohs sensation Alex Johnston, the third-highest try-scorer in Australian first-grade history. The 29-year-old Sydney native switched to represent his Kumuls heritage in 2019 and has already amassed 10 international caps, scoring three tries. Joining him in the backline is the dynamic Nene Macdonald, a Port Moresby native who has been electrifying the British game with Leigh and now Salford, and the ever-reliable Justin Olam, the Melbourne Storm centre who earned a Dally M Team of the Year nod in 2021.
The halves see the inclusion of a pair of rising stars – Zac Laybutt, a Queensland-born prospect sidelined with an ACL injury, and the experienced Lachlan Lam, a key figure at Leigh Leopards in Super League. Lam’s international experience, with six tries in 10 appearances for the Kumuls, makes him a vital cog in this dream team.
In the forwards, the powerhouse Sylvester Namo, fresh from his move to Castleford Tigers, and the versatile Emmanuel Waine, who has featured for London Broncos, add physicality and dynamism. Leigh’s Edwin Ipape, a 2021 Rugby League World Cup Team of the Tournament selection, and Dan Russell, a St George Illawarra Dragon, provide further strength in the middle.
Rounding out the starting 13 is the experienced Jack de Belin, a testicular cancer survivor who brings his significant NRL pedigree to the Kumuls’ lineup. The bench features the likes of Liam Horne, Jacob Alick, Nixon Putt, and Keven Appo, all of whom have represented Papua New Guinea with distinction.
This Dream 17 showcases the depth and talent that the Kumuls can call upon, with players plying their trade across the rugby league landscape. From the NRL to Super League and beyond, this side has the potential to make waves on the international stage.
“This side has the potential to make waves on the international stage.”
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