Young Gun Derby named in PNG squad for Test against Fiji

Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Tepend has named his squad for the Kumuls upcoming Pacific Test against Fiji on June 25.

The Rabbitohs' all-time leading try-scorer, Alex Johnston, headlines a strong Kumuls side which also includes Melbourne Storm and reigning Dally M Centre of the Year Justin Olam, Broncos winger David Mead and Roosters half Lachlan Lam.

Six players from the PNG Hunters in the Hostplus Cup will feature including Terry Wapi, Wartovo Puara, Sherwin Tanabi, and Sylvester Namo.

Bulldog Bailey Biondi-Odo was unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.

The Kumuls will face Fiji as the second match in next Saturday's double-header at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, with Samoa taking on the Cook Islands from 5:40pm AEST before Tepend's side take to the field at 7:50pm AEST.

Papua New Guinea

• Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
• Robert Derby (Northern Pride)
• David Mead (Brisbane Broncos)
• Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)
• Terry Wapi (PNG Hunters)
• Lachlan Lam (Sydney Roosters)
• Epel Kapinias (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
• Wartovo Puara (PNG Hunters)
• Sylvester Namo (PNG Hunters)
• Nixon Putt (Central Capras)
• Daniel Russell (Easts Tigers)
• Liam Horne (Norths Devils)
• Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks)
• Emmanuel Waine (PNG Hunters)
• McKenzie Yei (Central Capras)
• Jacob Alick (Gold Coast Titans)
• Dilbert Issac (PNG Hunters)
• Sherwin Tanabi (PNG Hunters)
• Cruise Ten (Souths Logan)

Coach: Stanley Tepend