PNG LNG Kumuls camp has been a reunion of sorts for McKenzie Yei.
The man from Mount Hagen played for Mount Hagen Eagles and Hela Wigmen before joining SP PNG HUNTERS in 2018 and their Hostplus Cup rivals, Rockhampton-based Rockhampton Leagues Club Capras for the 2020 season. So, this week’s Pacific Test in Campbelltown has been a chance to reconnect with many of his former teammates.
“This has been the best week of my life,” he told PNG Kumuls Media. “Being back with everyone this week is like catching up with long-lost friends. I’m so happy to see them again, especially the boys who I knew from back then.
Getting selected for the Kumuls is really a dream come true and it’s hard to express in words – I’m still emotional.”
The 25-year-old says he has also enjoyed spending time with the Kumuls’ NRL-based stars. “Guys like David (Mead) and Alex (Johnston) have told me some of the things about how they prepare for a game – it’s good to learn from them.
“I’d heard stories about being part of the Kumuls before but to see it with my own eyes and experience it myself is just amazing.”