The Aussies PM’s XIII arrived to the usual fanfare by Papua New Guineans at the Jacksons International Airport, which they found it as more than what was expected.
A crowd had formed before the ETA of the Aussies at 3.30pm the Australian Contingent made up of the Australian Defense Force Men and Women, two junior teams men’s and women’s and the women’s and Men’s PM’s XIII’s.
A total of 230 as the total contingent flew in to PNG on an Australian Air Force flight. the crowd mostly made up of children and young men went into a frenzy when the Australian Men’s PM’s XIII walked out at the arrivals.
The crowd soon swarmed in on the players as several players including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow got his team cap pulled off his head.
The chants of “Tino, Tino, Tino” as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui walked into the team bus covered the open air outside, behind him a frantic chase of cat and mouse between guards and the fans, children mostly kept circling the bus making gestures for any piece of souvenir they could beg off the NRL stars.
After a few photos and continuous chanting the team bus took off, with some members of the crowd latching while others ran after the bus a few got trampled before the police personnel dispersed the crowd from moving 25 seater Rosa bus from Budget Rent a car.
It seemed bewildering but expected by the Australians, with Australia PM’s XIII Captain Cameron Murray saying it was a crazy experience.
“Most of us were left speechless most we had a really good smile on our faces a bit crazy but what could have happened was probably what was expected,” Cameron Murray Australian PM’s XIII Captain said
“I came here when I was 16 years old to PNG, to one of the Islands but today’s airport scene takes the top spot.
“A crazy experience obviously at the airport, really excited to be here great to back in the Australian colors after the World Cup last year.”
For both teams the last encounter in PNG was in 2018 loyal rugby league followers in PNG are obviously relishing this opportunity for a weekend of international rugby league.
While the Aussies are overwhelming favorites, Coach Mal Meninga says it’s an opportunity for the Australian players to cement their place in the Kangaroos and get in some match fitness as well.
“It is an important part of the selection of the Kangaroo side and it’s for their fitness no doubt,” Mal Meninga said.
PNG as the underdogs are also gearing up for the challenge with the team quite modes with their approach.
“It’s been a good week, we look forward to the match against the Australians.
“Pacific Test coming up and we look forward to all the players turning up for that, it is a great opportunities for the team to have some these fringe players make an effort to make the Kumuls side for the pacific test,” PNG PM’s XIII Coach Justin Holbrook said
The PNG Prime Minister’s 13 has opted for Kyle Laybutt as Captain and are keen on the challenge ahead on Saturday against the Australian PM’s XIII.
Papua New Guineas Captain Kyle Laybutt says he is ready to represent Papua New Guinea and give his best.
“I am very proud to represent everyone in PNG as the captain no doubt and we look to take the field on Saturday,” Laybutt said
Kyle will be alongside his younger brother Zac Laybutt who will debut in PNG color’s as well, both look to contribute their best to PNG this weekend.
Related: https://insidepng.com/daly-cherry-evans-headline-aust-pms-xiii/
Comments are closed.