Kumuls hopeful Sanny Wabo eyes fullback spot

PNG Hunters star Sanny Wabo says he is doing everything he can in the Hostplus Cup to maintain strong form and impress PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou for a potential national team call-up.

Wabo, one of the standout performers for the Hunters this season, has declared himself available for representative duties and hopes to make his long-awaited debut in the national colours.

The dynamic fullback is among four top contenders, alongside Nene Macdonald, Alex Johnston, and Morea Morea, vying for the coveted no.1 jersey in the PNG Kumuls squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

“Wearing the Kumuls jersey and representing my country has always been a dream of mine. I’m ready to take the call if the opportunity comes.

"Right now, my focus is on helping the Hunters make the finals. But if the Kumuls give me a chance, I’ll take it,” Wabo said.

Wabo was part of the Kumuls' extended squad under Demetriou last season, when the team retained the Pacific Bowl title before facing the New Zealand Kiwis in the relegation/promotion playoff.

A homegrown talent who first rose through the ranks with Lae Snax Tigers, Wabo is now a key attacking weapon in Paul Aiton’s Hunters outfit.

He currently sits fourth on the Hostplus Cup top try-scorers list with 14 tries from 15 appearances, while fellow Kumul hopeful Dudely Dotoi leads the tally with 23.

“I was excited to return and keep up consistent performances after overcoming some minor injuries earlier in the season,” Wabo said.

With coach Demetriou signalling an openness to introducing fresh talent while also welcoming back senior players, Wabo is pushing hard to prove he deserves a shot at the Kumuls' fullback role.

Macdonald remains a strong candidate following a stellar campaign last year that earned him a spot on the longlist for the International Rugby League Golden Boot award.

However, Johnston’s return from injury and the rapid rise of Morea with the Queensland Capras have intensified the battle for the starting role.

“Guys like Epel Kapinias, Edwin Ipape and Zac Laybutt come into the side and Alex Johnston should be back this year after he missed last year through injury, which will be a huge plus for us with his experience,” Demetriou told NRL.com.

“I know how eager he will be to get in and play with the team from what he did last year. He came over and met the boys in camp because he enjoyed being in camp and representing the Kumuls so off the back of him extending his contract at the Bunnies it will be good to get him back.”

The PNG Kumuls will host the Pacific Bowl tournament at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium, opening their campaign against the Cook Islands Aitu on October 25.

The Melanesian rivalry continues on November 1st when the Kumuls face Fiji Bati to wrap up the bowl competition.

PNG will be chasing a third consecutive Pacific Bowl title before the annual event will be shelved next year.