Hull KR pair face off as 8 Super League players named for huge international clash

A number of Super League names will be lining up in international rugby league action this weekend as PNG Kumuls face the New Zealand Kiwis.

The game is a huge one, as the winner secures a place in the top-level Pacific Cup next time round, while the loser will be in the second-tier Pacific Championships.

Papua New Guinea secured Pacific Championship glory with victory over the Cook Islands, and now the side, full of Super League talent, will aim to pull off a massive upset. You have to go back to 1986 for the last, and only, time that PNG have beaten New Zealand as they won 24-22 during the three-year World Cup that Australia won.

The Kumuls started this international window with a 22-10 win over Fiji in Suva, when Nene Macdonald, Sylvester Namo and Judah Rimbu all scored tries for PNG, with Rhyse Martin adding six points with his boot and Leeds Rhinos signing Maika Sivo scoring for Fiji.

PNG then followed this up with a 42-20 win with Macdonald, Namo and Lachlan Lam all scoring.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis lost 22-10 to Australia before being narrowly defeated 25-24 by Tonga to put them in danger of shock relegation.

Hull KR man returns as 8 Super League players named for internationals

Onto the team news for Sunday morning and Salford Red Devils man Nene Macdonald is once again selected to play at fullback for PNG for a third game in a row, despite previously not starting in the number one position for nine years.

He’s joined in the backs by Warrington Wolves man Rodrick Tai and Leigh Leopards half Lachlan Lam.

Meanwhile, Liam Horne is selected ahead of his new Castleford Tigers teammate Judah Rimbu as the starting hooker whilst Sylvester Namo, a try-scorer last time out, is on the bench.

Hull KR recruit Rhyse Martin is also named to start in the second row as he returns to the squad after being omitted for personal reasons. He replaces Dan Russell, who has signed for Warrington Wolves and is named as one of the reserves.

Meanwhile, Martin’s teammate Peta Hiku is the lone Super League representative for the Kiwis, starting in the centres.

The match kicks off at 7:20 am on Sunday with viewing details found here.