Eels forward Luca Moretti and Sea Eagles back Josh Feledy have put their hands up to play for Papua New Guinea at RLWC26, while former Kumuls captain Kyle Laybutt could be set for a shock return.
Moretti, who represented Italy at the last World Cup, qualifies for the Kumuls through his mother who was born in Port Moresby while her father was working in Papua New Guinea as a lawyer.
Feledy, who has played 15 NRL matches for Manly this season, recently told PNG reporters that he is eligible for the Kumuls through his mother, Jacqueline, and was keen to play at Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou revealed to rugbyleaguehub.com that Moretti had switched his international allegiance to PNG and if selected he and Feledy will bring NRL experience to the 23-man squad.
In the lead up to the most anticipated World Cup since the first tournament in France in 1954, RLWC2026.com is giving fans the opportunity to select their teams.
Under Demetriou, PNG have emerged as genuine contenders after winning the Pacific Bowl for each of the past three seasons and are set to boast an exciting mix of youth and experience to choose from.
Rabbitohs superstar Alex Johnston, the greatest tryscorer in Australian premiership history, Titans rising star Cooper Bai, Cowboys backs Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby, former NSW Origin forward Jack de Belin and Broncos rookie Phillip Coates are other NRL players likely to be in the Kumuls squad.
The one, the only, Alex Johnston
A further seven players - halfback Lachlan Lam, hooker Edwin Ipape, outside back Nene Macdonald, and forwards Rhyse Martin, Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Liam Horne and Dan Russell - are playing in Super League.
There are also six Kumuls in Demetriou's all conquering London Broncos side - playmakers Gairo Voro and Finley Glare, fullback Morea Morea, centres Robert Mathias and Alex Max, and prop Epel Kapinias.
The rest of the squad is likely to be drawn from Queensland Cup, with Kyle Laybutt emerging as a possible selection after making a comeback for Townsville Blackhawks.
Match: Papua New Guinea v Lebanon
Round 1 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Lebanon
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Laybutt announced his retirement last year but has been playing in the Townsville competition and turned out for the Blackhawks at halfback in their recent 24-22 defeat of Norths Devils that ensured their place in the Queensland Cup finals.
With Lam, Voro and Glare the main playmaking options, Laybutt - who played 14 Tests for the Kumuls and captained the team in Martin's absence in 2023 - could provide depth and experience in the halves.
The Kumuls open their World Cup campaign at hom against Lebanon on October 17 and also host Toa Samoa on October 24 in the most anticipated game in PNG history after Jarome Luai and Brian To'o signed with the Chiefs.
Their final group match against England at WIN Stadium on October 30 is likely to determine which nation advances to the semi-finals, with head-to-head results used instead of for-and-against if two teams are level on points.
Match: Papua New Guinea v Samoa
Round 2 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Samoa
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Choose your PNG Kumuls World Cup team
Match: England v Papua New Guinea
Round 3 -
home Team
England
away Team
Papua New Guinea
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
