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Three PNG Players to look out for on Saturday against England

05 Nov 22, 11:21AM 0 Comments

Written by Rugby Football League

Photo by RFL

Papua New Guinea will be looking to knock the hosts out of the Rugby League World Cup when the two sides meet on Saturday. Here is a look at three of the danger men for the Kumels on Saturday.

Edwin Ipape has been a standout player in 2022 and he has continued his good club form into the Rugby League World Cup.

Ipape is a hooker who has been playing for Leigh in the Betfred Championship this season. He had an outstanding season and was a key player during their promotion to the Super League.

Indivdually, Ipape was named as the Betfred Championship Player of the Season.

The hooker is a strong player, who is dangerous in attack and defence. He has shown his ability to score tries from close range, as well as an impressive score from the end of the season when he raced half the pitch to beat the evading defenders. England will need to restrict him if they are to be successful.

Ipape’s Leigh teammate, Lachlan Lam, is another dangerous player in the PNG side. The 24-year-old joined Leigh mid-way through the season and made his debut off the bench against Featherstone at the Summer Bash.

In just nine appearances, the half-back scored four tries and played a key role in the Leigh attack.

Lam has shown his attack prowess already at the World Cup. He scored in the first two matches for PNG against Tonga and the Cook Islands.

The half-back has a dangerous kicking game and his support play is a big reason to why he can be a regular on the scoresheet.

Papua New Guinea captain Rhyse Martin has proved he is a crucial part to the side. Martin is a familiar sight to many as he plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Super League.

Just like Lam, Martin scored a try in the first two matches. The second rower is the goal kicker for the side, and he had an impressive record heading into the competiton. Martin had not missed a goal since July and was looking for a 42nd consecutive conversion, however his effort from the touchline strayed wide against Cook Islands in Warrington.

The 29-year-old is a strong carrier of the ball and poses a threat on the PNG right side.

England will need to restrict his yardage, if they are to come out on top.

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