PNGRFL UNVEILED RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP SQUAD FOR MEN & WOMEN
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is proud to name the final squads for the PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids, who will represent Papua New Guinea at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The selections mark another significant moment for Papua New Guinea rugby league, with both national teams preparing to take on the world’s best on the international stage.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the naming of the two squads was an important step in the teams’ World Cup preparations and congratulated all players selected to represent the country.
“We are proud to name our PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Representing Papua New Guinea at a World Cup is one of the highest honours a player can achieve, and we congratulate every player selected.
“These squads reflect the talent, hard work, and commitment of our players, as well as the work being done across our pathways, clubs and competitions. We look forward to seeing both teams carry the pride of Papua New Guinea onto the world stage.”
Jason Demetriou is Head Coach for PNG Kumuls while Craig Sandercock is head coach for the 23 player final squad the Santos PNG Orchids.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will provide both teams with the opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea’s growing strength and depth in rugby league while representing the nation on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
For the players selected, the tournament will be an opportunity to wear the national colours with pride and build on the strong history and legacy of the Kumuls and Orchids.
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the selection of the two squads was a proud moment for the players, their families, clubs, and the wider rugby league community.
“To represent Papua New Guinea at a Rugby League World Cup is a tremendous honour, and we are incredibly proud of the players selected to wear the PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids jerseys.
“We know what these teams mean to our people. They carry the hopes and pride of a nation, and we encourage Papua New Guineans at home and abroad to get behind our players as they prepare to take on the world.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, we congratulate the players, coaches, support staff, families and everyone who has contributed to their journeys. We wish both teams every success at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”
PNG KUMULS SQUAD
- Bailey Biondi-Odo — New Zealand Warriors
- Jack De Belin — Parramatta Eel
- Robert Derby — North Queensland Cowboys
- Dudley Dotoi — Townsville Blackhawks
- Joshua Feledy — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
- Finley Glare — London Broncos
- Liam Horne — Leigh Leopards
- Edwin Ipape — Leigh Leopards
- Zev John — Central Queensland Capras
- Epel Kapinias — London Broncos
- Zac Laybutt — North Queensland Cowboys
- Nene Macdonald — St Helens
- Rhyse Martin — Hull Kr
- Robert Mathias — London Broncos
- Morea Morea — London Broncos
- Luca Moretti — Parramatta Eels
- Sylvester Namo — PNG Hunters
- Nixon Putt — Central Queensland Capras
- Rodrick Tai — Central Queensland Capras
- Valentine Richard — Central Queensland Capras
- Gairo Voro — London Broncos
- Sanny Wabo — Png Hunters
- Khaiya Waiembi — Png Hunters
SHADOW PLAYERS - Kyle Laybutt
- Alex Max — London Broncos
- Jacob Taulani — Newcastle Knights
SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS
Head Coach: Craig Sandercock
The Santos PNG Orchids will be represented by the following 23-player final squad:
SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD
- Therese Aiton — Ipswich Jets
- Elsie Albert — Parramatta Eels
- Essay Banu — North Queensland Cowboys
- Annika Butler — Maitland Pickers
- Jenny David — Brisbane Tigers
- Fleur Ginn — Parramatta Eels
- Belinda Gwasamun — Mt. Hagen Eagles
- Josephine Howard — Central Dabaris
- Jasmine Joe — Port Moresby Vipers
- Naomi Kelly — Central Dabaris
- Shellie Long — Northern Pride
- Mala Mark — Central Dabaris
- Tia Molo — Brisbane Broncos
- Mya Muller — Penrith Panthers
- Vanessa Nakkas — Central Dabaris
- Cynthia Peters — Rabaul Gurias
- Ua Ravu — South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Jafinda Sap — Central Dabaris
- India Seeto — Brisbane Tigers
- Emily Vievers — North Queensland Cowboys
- Gemma Walker — Western Clydesdales
- Ivania Wong — Act
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea — Canberra Raiders
DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS - Gian Kaupa — Lae Snax Tigers
- Jacinta Garry — Mt. Hagen Eagle
- Joyce Hobert — Port Moresby Vipers
