The Kumuls face Samoa on Saturday as underdogs, but a win would likely put Jason Demetriou's side into the World Cup semi-finals.
Hooker Edwin Ipape made an immediate impact, setting up two tries in Papua New Guinea's 42-18 victory over Lebanon in Port Moresby.
Asked by AAP which Kumul would influence the tournament most, injured international Cooper Bai replied, "That's easy … Edwin Ipape."
Bai praised Ipape's toughness, intelligence and commitment to representing Papua New Guinea.
Ipape is contracted to Leigh Leopards through 2031, with no NRL release clause; the PNG Chiefs are due to join the competition in 2028.
Prime Minister James Marape, who shares Ipape's Hela province roots, reportedly contacted him about his contract situation.
Ipape was named man of the match in PNG's 2023 Pacific Bowl final win over Fiji and last year's 50-18 victory over the same opponents.
Bai said the Kumuls hoped to move closer to a future title: "With the squad that we have the goal is to push PNG further and get us close to hopefully winning the World Cup in the future."
Bai, who injured a hamstring preparing for the tournament, called hosting games against Lebanon and Samoa massive for the team and country.