Last updated on .From the section Rugby League

Gateshead coach Gene 'a PNG god'

Gateshead Thunder's Papua New Guinea quartet Gary Lo, Mark Mexico, Jason Tali and Charlie Wabo say the prospect of working with Stanley Gene played a big part in their decision to sign.

League One side Thunder added the four Kumuls to their squad for 2015 last month, to help with the bid for Championship promotion next term.

Thunder head coach Gene is PNG's most capped player.

"Back home, everyone knows Stanley Gene," said Wabo. "He's like our god."

Wabo told BBC Sport: "To bring the four of us up here is a big thing.

"It's an opportunity to work with Stanley at Gateshead Thunder and we're looking forward to it."

Although Lo and Tali have never played outside their home nation, prop Mexico had been playing for Cronulla Sharks in Australia's NRL, while hooker Wabo has previous experience of English rugby league with Hunslet.

"I'm not too sure about the rugby league over here because at home it's all NRL," Mexico added. "I've been playing for Cronulla and it's very tough, but it seems alright here in England."