De Belin fired up for first rugby league world cup with Kumuls

Papua New Guinea Kumuls lock Jack de Belin is ready to make his Rugby League World Cup debut when the home side take on Lebanon at the Santos National Football Stadium this Saturday.

The 35-year-old says representing PNG and his family heritage makes this year’s campaign special, as he prepares to run out for his first World Cup after four years with the Kumuls.

Kumul No. 314 is familiar with playing in front of passionate home crowds, but says the opportunity to represent his PNG heritage on the World Cup stage is a significant milestone.

De Belin has family connections to PNG through his grandmother, while his father was born in East New Britain. He says he is looking forward to representing his family in the tournament.

He made his Kumuls debut against the Cook Islands when PNG hosted the 2023 Pacific Championships in Port Moresby.

“This is my fourth year [with the Kumuls], I joined just after the previous World Cup.

“It's been awesome, I've loved the footy team, the culture and the country. Been welcomed with Open Arms to play footy here is special.

“I get to represent my dad and my family in this World Cup.”

De Belin has made 270 NRL appearances, including 252 for the St George Illawarra Dragons before joining the Parramatta Eels, where he made 18 appearances this season.

He said the focus in camp has been on staying positive ahead of the Kumuls’ opening match.

With less than two days before kick-off, De Belin said preparations had been positive, with a mix of players coming off seasons in the NRL, Queensland Cup and Super League.

“It's all about being positive and keeping up with the young boys, who are really proactive. The squad inside the JD's [Jason Demetriou] pick is awesome.

“There's a lot of local talent from Q-Cup and NRL including players from the Super League. We’ve got a wide variety and we’re ready to go,” de Belin said.

He will also be joined by Parramatta Eels teammate Luca Moretti, who is set to make his Kumuls and World Cup debut.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Cedars will be led by Wests Tigers prop Alex Twal in their opening-round clash against PNG. The visiting side arrived in Port Moresby today ahead of the match.