Israel Eliab will join the Papua New Guinea rugby league squad this afternoon after being called in as a late replacement for the suspended club teammate Willie Minoga.
Minoga was banned for two matches by the Queensland Rugby League judiciary for a dangerous throw in the PNG Hunters Intrust Super Cup victory over the Northern Pride last weekend.
Fullback Stargroth Amean was cited for a similar offence but entered an early guilty plea and will take up his position at fullback against the Cook Islands on Saturday night.
Michael Marum's side were already without St George Illawarra Dragons winger Nene Macdonald, who withdrew on Monday due to an ankle injury sustained in their game against Melbourne Storm.
Rod Griffin (L) will captain the Kumuls v the Cook Islands. Photo: Facebook / PNG Kumuls
Canterbury Bulldogs forward Rod Griffin will captain the Kumuls in Saturday's Pacific Test at Campbelltown.
The 30-year-old, originally from Wabag, Enga Province, made his test debut in 2007 against Wales and will lead his country for the first time in his 11th test.
"I thank coach Michael Marum for giving me the honour to captain PNG in this Test. It'll be great to lead the boys out on Saturday," he said.
"Captaining your country, there's nothing like it. Coming into camp, you see the smiles and it gives you the fire in your belly.
"You see the reason behind why you play, and especially for PNG where everyone loves footy so much, it's hard to describe the feeling, it's amazing," Griffin said.
Griffin joined the Bulldogs this year after spending the past two seasons with the West Tigers.
The second rower will be assisted on the field by PNG Hunters captain Ase Boas as his deputy.
Rodd Griffin will captain Papua New Guinea against the Cook Islands. Photo: Facebook / PNG Kumuls
