Papua New Guinea winger Nene MacDonald has been ruled out of the Kumuls rugby league squad to face Fiji at the weekend because of a shoulder injury.
Papua New Guinea and St George Illawarra winger Nene MacDonald. Photo: NRL
The 24-year-old winger will miss the Pacific Test after picking up the injury during St George Illawarra's victory over Manly on Saturday.
"Nene MacDonald will not be playing. The Dragons medical staffs have ruled him out. However he will join the team in camp in Sydney," Kumuls head coach Michael Marum said.
MacDonald, who has scored eight tries in 14 appearances for the NRL-leading Dragons this season, has been replaced by PNG Hunters captain Ase Boas.
Ase Boas has been called into the Kumuls squad. Photo: NRL Photos
Michael Marum also confirmed that South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston was originally selected in the team but withdrew to recover from niggling injuries.
"We notified Alex and advised him of his selection into the team however he advised of his withdrawal from the team to take a break during this bye weekend and recover from injuries and take a rest," Marum said.
"That's his decision and we respect that."
The 10 Hunters players in the PNG squad and coaching staff, including Michael Marum, Nigel Hukula, Timothy Lepa and head trainer Solomon Kuluniasi, met with the Australian based players in Sydney last night.
A new Kumuls captain will be be announced on Tuesday, with World Cup skipper David Mead not considered for selection while he plays in the UK Super League.