By Staff Reporter

Kumuls Coach Demetriou Hopes for Coates’ Return Ahead of 2026 World Cup

15/10/2024

Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou has expressed his hopes that Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates will return to represent PNG in the 2026 World Cup, despite Coates opting to play for Australia in the upcoming Pacific Championship.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s 13 press conference in Port Moresby on Friday, Demetriou revealed that although he had wanted Coates to play for PNG in the Pacific Championships, the Port Moresby-born player decided to pursue his other dream of representing Australia. Coates, who has previously represented PNG, is set to make his debut for the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championship.

The 23-year-old had shared in a podcast last year that while representing PNG was a significant achievement, he also aspired to play for his father’s country, Australia. Demetriou acknowledged Coates' strong ties to both nations, stating that while he wanted the winger for the Kumuls squad, he respected his decision to fulfil his Australian heritage.

“I wanted him in the squad because I know how much representing PNG means to him,” Demetriou said. “But I also understand that playing for Australia is a special honour for him. Hopefully, after ticking that box, he can return to the Kumuls ahead of the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Xavier Coates’ father, Michael, affirmed his son’s commitment to PNG, indicating that the winger would still play for the Kumuls in the future. Michael, who was in Port Moresby to watch his younger son Phillip play for the Junior Kumuls, said Xavier values his PNG heritage deeply and will continue to represent both nations.

“Our family is proud of both Xavier and Phillip, and they cherish representing both Australia and PNG,” Michael said.

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