Papua New Guinea-born representative star Xavier Coates believes the young talent coming through the nation's pathways will ensure the NRL's newest team is competitive from the outset. Coates, who made his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2019, is expected to be one of the main recruitment targets for the PNG NRL team, which will join the Telstra Premiership in 2028. The Storm star, who was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the Pacific Cup, will only be 26 years old when the first premiership match is played in Port Moresby. Current Kumuls players are expected to be offered the opportunity to play for the foundation team as the PNG franchise focuses on homegrown talent. Among those likely to be on the recruitment list are halfback Lachlan Lam, hooker Edwin Ipape (both Leigh), centre Rodrick Tai (Warrington) and outside backs Nene Macdonald (Salford), Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby (both Cowboys). Yet, many of the potential PNG team are yet to play at NRL or Super League level, including fullback Morea Morea, who made his Test debut in November against Cook Islands, and Kumuls hooker Judah Rimbu. Morea, who is on a train-and-trial contract with the Cowboys, was the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup rookie of the year, while Rimbu has signed with Castleford after winning the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup player of the year award. Others identified by PNG head of elite pathways Joey Grima for selection in the 2024 Junior Kumuls or PM's XIII who are expected to be ready for the NRL by 2028 include: centre Phillip Coates (Broncos development contract) centre Sam Stephenson (Titans development squad) middle forward Cooper Bai (Titans development squad) hooker Finley Glare (plays for PNG Hunters) prop Vane Manuma (plays for PNG Hunters) halfback Bradley Orosambo (training contract with PNG Hunters) five-eighth Giaro Voro (plays for PNG Hunters) prop Emmanuel Balio (training contract with PNG Hunters). “There's so much talent in PNG who don't get much media attention in Australia so it's pretty cool that they are getting these opportunities," Coates said. “I'm really proud of the nation as a whole and I’m really proud of those boys who are stepping up and performing really well for them." Coates, who moved to Queensland at a young age, represented PNG in 2019 and brother Phillip appears destined to follow in his footsteps after playing for the Junior Kumuls side which drew 22-22 with the Australian Schoolboys in October. Stephenson - who is contracted to the Titans along with Bai, the son of PNG legend Marcus Bai - was selected for the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 after playing for the Young Kumuls in 2023. “They've got some really good homegrown talent up there and they earned my respect back in 2019, when I went into my first camp," Coates said. "I was a fresh 18-year-old and I was quite nervous, and a bit scared to be honest, but they brought me in like I was their little brother. “I'm really appreciative of what the Papua New Guinea and the Kumuls have done for me, and I'll continue to be." Class of 2028 Finley Glare (hooker, age 21): Spotted playing for Lae and featured in the majority of games for PNG Hunters last season. Sound knowledge of the game and exciting out of dummy half. Phillip Coates (centre, age 18): Younger brother of Storm winger Xavier Coates. A giant in stature, he creates opportunities with his huge frame and rugby league IQ. Has an incredible ability in the air and is also a strong defender who dominates his opponents. Currently contracted to Brisbane Broncos. Sam Stephenson (centre, age 18): Played for the Junior Kumuls in 2023 and Australian Schoolboys in 2024. Contracted to Gold Coast Titans for the next three seasons. A powerful and strong running back. Bradley Orosambo (halfback, age 19): Selected in the PNG Schoolboys team after winning player of the tournament with Lae. A cheeky and dominant player who executes plays well. He is also an excellent kicker of the ball and strong defender. Was chosen by SP Hunters coach Paul Aiton for a pre-season training opportunity with his Hostplus Cup squad. Emmanuel Balio (prop): Hails from Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. An aggressive player who received lots of praise for his performance with the Junior Kumuls against Australian Schoolboys. A player who can play big minutes and leads with his actions. Plays for PRK Mendi Muruks in the domestic Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup competition and dominates his senior opponents. Vane Manuma (prop, age 19): Among the tallest players in PNG, Manuma has a massive frame that allows him to create opportunities with the ball. Comes from a remote village in Aroma, Central Province. His ability and potential earned Manuma a training contract with the SP Hunters and his willingness to learn and grow as a player make him an ideal prospect. Gairo Voro (five-eighth, age 21): Hailing from a remote fishing village in Abau District, Central Provence, Voro looked up to Darren Lockyer as a junior. An aggressive defender, who possesses patience and excellent skills with the ball, Voro has the ability to play anywhere in the backline. A leader on the field, he is currently contracted to SP Hunters. Cooper Bai (middle forward, age 18): Son of PNG legend Marcus Bai, Cooper has been rewarded with a contract with Gold Coast Titans. A syndesmosis injury ruled Bai out of contention for the Junior Kumuls but he has representative experience with Queensland U19s. A real steward of the game, Bai will get his opportunities through hard work and rugby league IQ.