International footy is back in the country and after almost pulling a fast one on the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) team will be looking to prove a point as they named their strongest side in preparations for the Pacific Championships. The Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stanley Hondina together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk and the newly appointed Chairlady for the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove, in a statement, announced the 21-person squads for the upcoming Pacific Championships this October – November. PNG will participate with the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids, playing matches in Port Moresby. On paper, the team looks strong, but will they be able to replicate the intensity shown in the Prime Minister’s XIII match. Head Coach Justin Holbrook of the PNG LNG Kumuls will be taking charge of a mixture of overseas and home-based players, with a number of them coming from the NRL. Returning to take up positions in the Kumuls squad sees Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) alongside Wellington Albert (London Broncos). Rhyse Martin also returns to the helm as captain, along with Alex Johnston, Dan Russell, with Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop and Valentine Richard getting the nod. One shocking inclusion into the team, NRL and former New South Wales Origin player, Jack De Belin has put his hand up to represent PNG, the news sending shockwaves throughout the Rugby League Fraternity. De Belin is no stranger to coach Justin Holbrook, the latter having coached De Belin in the under 20’s prior to making it into the big league. Here is the 21-man train on squad for the Pacific Championships. 1 Alex Johnston- South Sydney Rabbitoh 2 Benji Kot- PNG Hunters 3 Dan Russell- St. George Illawarra Dragons 4 Edwin Ipape- Leigh Leopards 5 Epel Kapinias- PNG Hunters 6 Jack De Belin- St. George Illawarra Dragons 7 Jacob Alick- Gold Coast Titans 8 Judah Rimbu- PNG Hunters 9 Junior Rop- PNG Hunters 10 Justin Olam- Melbourne Storm 11 Kyle Laybutt- Townsville Blackhawks 12 Lachlan Lam- Leigh Leopards 13 Liam Horne- Castleford Tigers 14 Nene Macdonald- Leeds Rhinos 15 Nixon Putt- Castleford Tigers 16 Rhyse Martin- Leeds Rhinos 17 Robert Derby- North Queensland Cowboys 18 Rodrick Tai- PNG Hunters 19 Valentine Richard- Central QLD Capras 20 Wellington Albert- London Broncos 21 Zac Laybutt- North Queensland Cowboys