After hearing some unfavorable news, two of the team’s most dangerous players are returning home via plane.
The revelation that winger Xavier Coates is one of two outside backs returning to Australia due to a hamstring injury has given a severe blow to the PNG Kumuls’ prospects of qualifying for the World Cup.
Coates, a prolific scorer of tries, having crossed the line 16 times in his 17 Melbourne outings so far this season.
After suffering an injury during the captain’s run, Coates had to withdraw from the country’s opening tournament match against Tonga. It was hoped that Coates would be able to return for the squad’s crucial final Group D match against the Cook Islands, even though the team performed excellently without him.
However, scans for the 21-year-old confirmed the awful news, excluding him from the competition for the entire time. According to AAP, PNG officials have verified Coates’ departure from the team.
The Kumuls’ terrible news is made worse by reports that Edene Gebbie, who also missed the match against Tonga, has been sent home due to a groin ailment. Gebbie had most recently participated in the Kumuls’ matchup with the Prime Minister of Australia’s XIII.
The Kumuls challenged their highly-fancied Tongan opponents even though neither player participated in the first game. They should have plenty of confidence going into their crucial match against the Kukis because their backline still features NRL weapons Alex Johnston and Justin Olam, along with a strong supporting cast.
The crucial match will be broadcast live in Australia on Wednesday, October 26 at 5.30 a.m. (AEDT).
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