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Why sons of PNG legends were forced to skip World Cup
George Clarke, AAP • October 7th, 2026 1:12 pm
PNG star Cooper Bai is out of the Rugby League World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury | Photo: AAP
A hamstring injury has denied Gold Coast forward Cooper Bai the chance to play for Papua New Guinea at the Rugby League World Cup.
Bai, the son of Kumuls legend Marcus, is one of the major absences from the 23-man PNG squad, along with playmaker Lachlan Lam.
Leigh halfback Lam, the son of Adrian Lam, has been ruled out of the tournament as he has to undergo wrist surgery.
The absences of Lam, Bai and wingers Alex Johnston and Xavier Coates, mean the Kumuls will be fielding a heavily-depleted squad in their tournament opener against Lebanon in Port Moresby on October 17.
Lachlan Lam is also an absentee from the Kumuls due to wrist surgery | Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP
There are several players with NRL experience included in coach Jason Demetriou's squad, headlined by Parramatta veteran Jack de Belin.
The uncapped duo of Manly centre Josh Feledy and Eels prop Luca Moretti have earned selection along with North Queensland outside backs Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby.
Bailey Biondi-Odo, who played 17 games for Canterbury and has signed with the Warriors for 2027, is also included.
Super League veterans Rhyse Martin and Nene Macdonald are the other familiar names in a squad that is mainly drawn from the English lower divisions and the Queensland Cup.
After facing Lebanon, the Kumuls welcome Samoa to PNG before rounding out their group stage with a trip to Wollongong to take on England.
Papua New Guinea squad:
Jack de Belin, Robert Derby, Dudley Dotoi, Josh Feledy, Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Edwin Ipape, Zev John, Epel Kapinias, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Zac Laybutt, Nene Macdonald, Rhyse Martin, Robert Mathias, Morea Morea Jnr, Luca Moretti, Sylvester Namo, Nixon Putt, Rodrick Tai, Valentine Richard, Gairo Voro, Sanny Wabo, Khaiya Waiembi.
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