Fresh faces to debut for PNG Kumuls in Pacific Championships

Papua New Guinea Kumuls are set to unleash new talent in the 2025 Pacific Championships, with three exciting youngsters named to make their debut this weekend.

Gold Coast Titans prospect Cooper Bai, son of Melbourne Storm legend Marcus Bai, will debut off the bench alongside PNG Hunters duo Gairo Voro and Finley Glare, who have also earned their first Kumul call-ups.

The trio feature in a refreshed Kumuls lineup announced by head coach Jason Demetriou to face the Cook Islands Aitu this Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Hunters’ Rookie of the Year, Gairo Voro, will partner Leigh Leopards playmaker Lachlan Lam in the halves, while Glare and Bai are set to provide impact from the interchange bench.

Voro has been in red-hot form in the Queensland Cup this season, scoring seven tries in 19 games, with 12 try assists and 12 line-break assists. The Kumuls will be counting on his creative playmaking and dangerous running game. Glare, known for his versatility, is expected to add spark off the bench and can slot in at hooker or in the halves when needed.

Meanwhile, Cooper Bai is expected to inject energy into the forward pack, sharing minutes with Jack De Belin (Parramatta-bound), Epel Kapinias, and Liam Horne, who has been named at lock.

Experienced back-rowers Rhys Martin and Nixon Putt add much-needed leadership to the starting forward pack, with Jacob Alick-Wiencke and Sylvester Namo providing reinforcement from the bench.

Speed will be the defining feature of the Kumuls’ backline this weekend. CQ Capras livewire Morea Morea has been handed the fullback role, shifting South Sydney veteran Alex Johnston to the wing. Cowboys flyer Robert Derby will occupy the opposite flank.

After missing last year’s tournament through injury, Zac Laybutt returns to the centres, boosting the Kumuls’ attacking options and goal-kicking depth.