Moretti, Biondi Odo named in starting Kumuls

Bailey Biondi Odo at training with the Kumuls. The NZ Warriors bound play maker has been named at in starting side for Kumuls against Lebanon this Saturday. *(-Supplied-*Kumuls media*)*

Parramatta's Luca Moretti and former Canterbury Bulldogs Bailey Biondi Odo have been named in the starting line up for the PNG Kumuls opening fixture against Lebanon on Saturday.

The New Zealand Warriors bound Bailey Biondi Odo will fill in at halfback in place of injured Lachlan Lam.

Biondi Odo will partner with 2026 Betfred Championship Player of the Year, Gairo Voro who has been named at five-eighth.

Scoring 13 tries from his 17 appearances in the Hostplus Cup for the Townsville Blackhawks, Biondi Odo's stats are impressive enough to see him, call the shots as the main play maker for the Kumuls this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Moretti has been named as a starting prop with Valentine Richard.

Having a solid tackle efficiency rate of 94 percent, Moretti's defence will be crucial to keep the Lebanese Cedars at bay.

Luca Moretti has been named as a starting prop for the Kumuls against Lebanon. *(Supplied-Kumuls media)*

Veteran Jack De Berlin has been named at lock and will be expected to deliver his usual work rate, while Leigh Leopards hooker Edwin Ipape is a player the Cedars will have to stop in attack.

Skipper and ace goal kicker Rhyse Martin has been named at the back row along with Kumul custodian Nixon Putt, both will be expected to lead as senior players in the group.

The back five features Morea Morea at fullback, Dudley Dotoi and Robert Derby on the wing, and the centres are Zac Laybutt and Nene Macdonald.

The Interchange; Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Sylvester Namo, Roderick Tai, Epel Kapinias and Sanny Wabo.

The reserves; Khaiya Waeimbi, Robert Mathias and Zev John.

Having been in camp over the last couple of days, the Kumuls have spent time bonding, with visits to several historical sites like the Bomana War Cemetery and the Owers Corner (Kokoda).

Their opponents Lebanon have named a side with a handful of NRL stars, the likes of Jacob Kiraz, Jason Saab, Alex Twal and Jordon Samrani to name a few.