PNG coach Adrian Lam will unleash the "white Kumul" Jay Aston on the Kangaroos in Sunday's World Cup clash at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Lam made the decision to hand the 20 year-old his Test debut, preferring the former Australian Schoolboy ahead of the more experienced Charlie Wabo as Paul Aiton's dummy half back-up.

The only white player in PNG's 25-man squad, Aston quickly inherited the nickname the "white Kumul" because of his fair skin and bleached hair.

He qualifies to play for Kumuls in the World Cup because his father was born in Papua New Guinea.

After playing in Melbourne's under-20s side this season, Aston will come face-to-face with Storm hooker Cameron Smith who will captain the Kangaroos.

"It'll be awesome," said Aston who'll play for Brisbane Norths in the Queensland Cup next year hoping to fast track his NRL aspirations.

"I had a little bit to do with Cameron at the start of the year and he was great.

"I take a little bit from watching and listening to players like him but I try to be my own player.

"This is incredible. I'll just try and stay relaxed and calm and not think too much about it."

Smith was pleased for his young understudy and tipped him to do well despite the nerves of such a big moment for him.

"I've actually watched him play since he was about eight year's old," said Smith who at 25 has played 16 Origins for Queensland and eight Tests for Australia.

"He's was a very talented young footballer and obviously he's done very well as he's got older.

"He played in our 20s this year and he plays his footy with a tough attitude and he's got a bit of skill too.

"I think it's great for him that he gets to play a Test.

PNG forward Kevin Prior may get away with a little extra than his teammates if he runs into Australian enforcer Paul Gallen during Sunday's encounter.

Prior has been going out with Gallen's sister Julie for more than two years and she won't want her brother messing up her boyfriends looks if they lock horns.

"She's not as rough and tough as Paul, she's actually got a gentle side," laughed the lanky Prior.

"There's been a few funny texts going backwards and forwards between us all but once we get out there on Sunday it will be down to business.

"Paul's a great bloke and they're a very nice family."

Prior said the Kumuls were very excited at the thought of playing the world champions.

"Our pride took a bit of a battering last week (from New Zealand) after such a high from the England game and it was back down to earth," he said.

"We probably reached a high the boys weren't used to and there was a big let down against the Kiwis.

"The boys are all looking forward to getting out there against Australia and get some of that pride and respect back.

"We've got a real belief in our squad and if we stay strong for the 80 minutes you just never know."

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