Papua New Guinea will need to overturn a disastrous record against Wales to claim victory in Saturday's historic Rugby League World Cup match in Port Moresby.
The Kumuls have lost all three encounters between the sides but expectations are high the hosts will triumph in the first tournament clash held in the country.
Despite their poor record against the ninth-ranked Dragons, the Kumuls are heavy favourites.
Coach Michael Marum says forecast hot and humid conditions at the National Football Stadium will suit his side.
"It will be good for us but we still have to play our game, control the football and play well," he said on Friday after the team's final training run.
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The game sold out months ago and around 15,000 screaming fans are likely to act as a 14th man for the home side.
But with expectation comes pressure and Marum said his side, ranked 15th in the world, would need to start well to ease the nerves.
"It's really important for us, our first time hosting a World Cup game. A lot of fans will be coming in and also watching at home," Marum said.
"There's a lot of pressure on us, so we need to get off to a good start".
The bulk of the side is comprised of the PNG Hunters who won the QRL Intrust Super Cup with an emotional late victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons in September.
Headlined by brothers Ase and Watson Boas in the halves, the Kumuls will look to play high-tempo football.
Their lineup is littered with NRL players: captain David Mead (Brisbane Broncos), Nene Macdonald (St George Illawarra Dragons), James Segeyaro (Cronulla Sharks) and Kurt Baptiste (Canberra Raiders).
A knee injury to second rower Rod Griffin has forced a last-minute reshuffle, with Willie Minoga moving into the starting side and Wellington Albert coming onto the bench.
Wales have been a bogey side for the Kumuls, knocking them out of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup in the quarter finals.
Papua New Guinea: David Mead (captain), Justin Olam, Kato Ottio, Nene MacDonald, Garry Lo, Ase Boas, Watson Boas, Stanton Albert, Wartovo Puara, Luke Page, Rhyse Martin, Willie Minoga, Paul Aiton, Kurt Baptiste, Wellington Albert, James Segeyaro, Enock Maki.
