London star Alex Max and Capras trio lead local charge for Kumuls World Cup selection

London Broncos centre Alex Max cruising over for a try during a regular round match in Betfred Championship season *(Image: Mediapac Sports)*

Papua New Guinea centre Alex Max has put himself firmly in the frame for a dream World Cup debut after overcoming recent injury heartbreak to star for the London Broncos, while Coach Jason Demetriou tracks a wave of local talent hitting form in the finals.

Max, who was cruelly sidelined from London’s 1895 Cup final victory due to doubts over a knee injury, bounced back in emphatic fashion over the weekend.

The former SP PNG Hunters standout bagged a hat-trick in London’s 66-18 thrashing of Swinton, highlighted by a blistering 70-metre intercept try that drew high praise from the national coach.

"The 40-man squad, he’s in," confirmed Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou.

"He looked quick and powerful. He took a big step in the right direction today, Alex. That’s what we need from him, to see him enjoy his footy, and that’s what he did."

Max’s return to form comes at a crucial time as Demetriou prepares to pare down his preliminary squad to a final 23-man list by late September or early October.

For the Kumuls, who will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Australia, match fitness and durability in the outside backs remain paramount.

PNG Kumuls second rower Nixon Putt in action against Fiji during the 2021 Pacific Test *(Image: Supplied)*

“By the mid-September, early October we need to name our 23-man squad and anyone who’s in that 40 will have their opportunity to impress and push themselves into the 23," Demetriou said.

“Ultimately, you need to be playing well and fit. “Especially in the outside backs, you can’t go into a game with a doubt someone might not finish a game.

“We have to have players who can play the 80 otherwise it hurts our rotation.”

Max isn't the only local product catching the eye of the national boss. Demetriou hinted the strong form of former Hunters and PNG stalwarts Rodrick Tai, Valentine Richard, and Nixon Putt, who are making noise in the Hostplus Cup finals with the Central Queensland Capras.

Capras barnstorming forward and Kumuls enforcer Valentine Richard is in form for a world cup sport *(Image: Capras)*

“You’ve got guys who are playing for the Capras now who are playing really good footy, like Rodrick Tai, Valentine Richard, Nixon Putt,” he said.

“They’re a big chance of winning in the finals and PNG boys have had a great season over there.”

While Demetriou’s preliminary 40-man roster features external recruitment including Parramatta back-rower Luca Moretti switching allegiance from Italy, the core focus remains on battle-tested PNG talent firing at the right time.

With final squad selection deadlines looming, the pressure is on for local favorites to maintain their form and secure a coveted spot in the Kumuls' World Cup campaign on home soil.