PNG Kumuls Rugby League World Cup Squad 2026
In Papua New Guinea, rugby league isn’t just a sport. It’s the national game, and this time the World Cup is coming to Port Moresby.
So which Kumuls will get to play a World Cup on home soil, in front of their own fans?
PNG have named their 23-man Kumuls squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, captained by Rhyse Martin, but record try-scorer Alex Johnston is out injured.
The Kumuls open against Lebanon in Port Moresby on Saturday 17 October, then host Samoa before facing England at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
Below, you’ll find the full 23-man squad, every fixture with kick-off times in PNG time, and how to watch.
We’ll keep this page updated with injuries and changes before kick-off, so bookmark it if you’re backing the Kumuls.
Quick Answer: PNG Kumuls at the Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Squad: 23 players named on 6 October 2026, plus three shadow players
- Captain: Rhyse Martin
- Coach: Jason Demetriou
- Opponents: Lebanon, Samoa and England
- First match: PNG v Lebanon, Saturday 17 October, Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, 2:25pm PNG time
- Biggest loss: Alex Johnston, out injured
Has PNG Named Its World Cup Squad?
Yes. Jason Demetriou named his 23-man squad on 6 October 2026, plus three shadow players.
Hull KR’s Rhyse Martin captains the side in his final season, and five London Broncos players are included.
PNG Kumuls’ 23-Man Squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026
Here is every player in the squad, with his club.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Bailey Biondi-Odo | Townsville Blackhawks |
| Jack de Belin | Parramatta Eels |
| Robert Derby | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Dudley Dotoi | Townsville Blackhawks |
| Josh Feledy | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Finley Glare | London Broncos |
| Liam Horne | Leigh Leopards |
| Edwin Ipape | Leigh Leopards |
| Zev John | Central Queensland Capras |
| Epel Kapinias | London Broncos |
| Zac Laybutt | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Nene Macdonald | St Helens |
| Rhyse Martin (captain) | Hull KR |
| Robert Mathias | London Broncos |
| Morea Morea Jnr | London Broncos |
| Luca Moretti | Parramatta Eels |
| Sylvester Namo | Brisbane Tigers |
| Nixon Putt | Central Queensland Capras |
| Valentine Richard | PNG Hunters |
| Rodrick Tai | Central Queensland Capras |
| Gairo Voro | London Broncos |
| Sanny Wabo | PNG Hunters |
| Khaiya Waiembi | PNG Hunters |
Alex Johnston, the NRL’s greatest try-scorer, misses the tournament after knee and finger surgery. Lachlan Lam is also not in the squad.
Former captain Kyle Laybutt is one of three shadow players, alongside Alex Max and Jacob Taulani.
Key PNG Players to Watch
Rhyse Martin
The Hull KR forward is PNG’s captain and goal-kicker.
This World Cup is expected to be the last big stage of his decorated career.
Jack de Belin
The departing Parramatta forward headlines the squad and brings years of NRL experience to the pack.
He leads a group of NRL players that includes Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt and debutant Josh Feledy.
Edwin Ipape and Liam Horne
The Leigh Leopards pair bring Super League experience, with Ipape running the attack from hooker.
They are two of the nine squad members who play their club rugby league in England.
Luca Moretti
The Parramatta forward played for Italy at the last World Cup.
He has switched to PNG through his mother, who was born in Port Moresby.
PNG Fixtures and Kick-off Times (PNG Time)
| Date | Match | Stadium | PNG time | UK time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17 Oct | PNG v Lebanon | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby | 2:25pm | 5:25am |
| Sat 24 Oct | PNG v Samoa | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby | 2:25pm | 5:25am |
| Fri 30 Oct | England v PNG | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | 7:05pm | 9:05am |
Both home games in Port Moresby are double-headers with the PNG Orchids women’s team.
For every other match, see our full RLWC 2026 schedule.
How PNG Can Reach the Semi-Finals
PNG are in Group C, but they play the three Group B teams: Lebanon, Samoa and England.
All six teams go into one combined table, and only the top two reach the semi-finals.
England knocked PNG out at the last two World Cups, so the Wollongong clash is a huge chance for revenge.
See how all the groups work in our RLWC 2026 teams guide, and check out the Samoa and England squad pages.
Who Is PNG’s Coach?
Jason Demetriou has coached the Kumuls since July 2024. He is a former head coach of South Sydney in the NRL.
He has led PNG to back-to-back Pacific Bowl titles, and he also coaches London Broncos, where several Kumuls play.
How to Watch PNG at the World Cup
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports
- PNG: We’re confirming local TV coverage and will add it here as soon as it’s announced.
For more countries, see our guide to watching RLWC 2026.
Tickets for PNG’s Matches
Tickets for the Port Moresby games may be sold by a local seller rather than Ticketmaster Australia.
Our RLWC 2026 tickets guide explains where to buy safely for every match.
PNG’s Rugby League World Cup History
PNG’s best World Cup results are quarter-final finishes, including at the last two tournaments in 2017 and 2021.
Both of those runs were ended by England. See every past winner in our Rugby League World Cup winners list.
PNG Orchids: PNG’s Women’s Team
The PNG Orchids are in Group B of the Women’s World Cup, with New Zealand, Fiji and France.
- Sat 17 Oct: PNG v France, Port Moresby, 12:15pm PNG time
- Sat 24 Oct: Fiji v PNG, Port Moresby
- Sat 31 Oct: New Zealand v PNG, Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
PNG World Cup Squad: FAQ
Has PNG named its Rugby League World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Jason Demetriou named the Kumuls’ 23-man squad on 6 October 2026, plus three shadow players. Alex Johnston is out injured.
Who is the PNG Kumuls coach?
Jason Demetriou has coached the Kumuls since July 2024.
Who is the PNG Kumuls captain?
Hull KR forward Rhyse Martin is the Kumuls captain.
When is PNG’s first World Cup match?
PNG play Lebanon on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, kicking off at 2:25pm PNG time.
When do PNG play England?
PNG play England on Friday 30 October 2026 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, kicking off at 7:05pm PNG time.
Conclusion
The Kumuls have two home World Cup games in Port Moresby and a squad mixing NRL stars with exciting young talent.
Their campaign starts against Lebanon on 17 October, and the England clash could decide a semi-final spot.
Follow injury news on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 injury list, and see every match in our schedule.
PNG Squad Updates
- 6 October 2026: PNG’s 23-man squad named, captained by Rhyse Martin. Alex Johnston is out injured.
- Earlier: Page published with PNG’s preliminary squad news.
