Dragons forward Jack de Belin will make his Test debut for Papua New Guinea against the Cook Islands in Port Moresby on Sunday afternoon.
Out-of-favour Storm centre Justin Olam looks like he won’t play after Kumuls coach Justin Holbrook named him on an extended bench in a shock move.
MATCH CENTRE: Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands, teams, stats, video
Centres Zac Laybutt and Rodrick Tai have been picked ahead of Olam, while Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston will line up at fullback.
Dragons backrower Dan Russell and Titans young gun Jacob Alick have both been named in the PNG starting pack.
Meanwhile, former NRL star Karmichael Hunt will make his international coaching debut after being named Cook Islands coach.
There isn’t much NRL experience in his side, with the most notable player the talented Souths prop Davvy Moale.
Bunker denies young star EPIC try | 01:07
Esan Marsters, who played 101 NRL games over six seasons but now plays in the Super League, will start in the centres.
Veterans Brad Takairangi and Zane Tetevano add some much needed experience to the team.
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PNG team: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Valentine Richard 11. Jacob Alick 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Liam Horne 15. Nixon Putt 16. Junior Rop 17. Benji Kott 18. Cruise Ten 19. Rhyse Martin 20. Wellington Albert 21. Justin Olam
Cook Islands team: 1. Esom Ioka 2. Malachi Morgan 3. Kayal Iro 4. Esan Marsters 5. Steven Marsters 6. Brad Takairangi 7. Tevin Arona 8. Davvy Moale 9. Rua Ngatikaura 10. Makahesi Makatoa 11. Zane Tetevano 12. Reuben Porter 13. Pride Petterson-Robati 14. William Samuel 15. Rhys Dakin 16. Justin Makirere 17. Kadiyae Ioka 18. Takai Mokohar 19. Isiah Cooper-Tetevano 20. Alvin Maungatti 21. Lucky Pokipoki
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