NRL interest building in World Cup Blackhawk
KYLE Laybutt’s World Cup heroics for Papua New Guinea have done more than lead the rugby league-mad nation to a quarter-final showdown with host England on Sunday morning (AEST).
The five-eighth’s performances have also opened the door to an NRL lifeline many thought had slammed shut on the 27-year-old former Cowboy.
Laybutt’s agent, Nash Dawson, said interest in signing the Townsville Blackhawk had grown exponentially since the start of the World Cup.
“He’s always had international interest simply for the fact that he fits the (UK) eligibility criteria but as of late he’s gained interest from the NRL, Super League and Championship clubs,” Dawson said.
“The World Cup has shown people that a really good Queensland Cup player can mix it with the best in the world.
“It’s an extremely exciting time for Kyle. He’s getting the opportunity to represent PNG and play some incredible football and showcase his skill to the rest of the world.”
In a team boasting the attacking talents of Alex Johnstone and Justin Olam, it is Laybutt who has spearheaded the Kumuls charge into the finals.
Laybutt has scored two tries, joint-most in the team, but has also assisted on three tries for a total try contribution of five.
No other PNG player has been involved in more than three tries, scored or assisted.
Laybutt’s time defending in the Blackhawks’ middle has rubbed off on his defence at the World Cup.
The playmaker has completed 55 of 63 tackles, an accuracy rate of 87 per cent.
Laybutt will be joined in the quarter-final by Townsville exports Nene Mcdonald, Rhyse Martin and Dan Russell.