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Rugby League

Pacific Championships Squads Announced

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Pacific Championships

The Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) CEO, Stanley Hondina together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk and the newly appointed Chairlady for the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove, in a press release, announced the 21-person squads for the upcoming Pacific Championships this October – November 2023.

Papua New Guinea will participate with the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids, playing matches in Port Moresby.

The teams under Head Coaches Justin Holbrook of the PNG LNG Kumuls and Ben Jeffries of the Santos PNG Orchids, are set to field the best available athletes in the sport, competing at the highest possible level and also exposing talent having come through the existing PNGRFL pathways.

Mr. Hondina shared, “With the excitement from the Prime Minister’s XIII and finally having international exhibition and test matches now returning to PNG, we are seeing the different levels of the pathway for our game highlight the ability of our pool of players from the various national championships and now the mentioned matches.”

“Our Coaches have been entrusted to engage and take our teams to where they need to be for these matches and I take this time to thank them for their leadership and wish them the best as they prepare for their upcoming matches,” Hondina added.

The PNG LNG Kumuls will vie for the Pacific Championship Bowl.

Match 1: 15th October 2023 Santos National Football Stadium
Match 2: 29th October 2023, Santos National Football Stadium
Match 3:– Finals TBC- 5th November 2023 at the Santos National Football Stadium

PNG LNG Kumuls

PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook, will lead his team boasting PNG exports to England, Edwin Ipape of the Leigh Leopards and Wellington Albert of the London Broncos. The squad sees the injection of seasoned Kumul and RLWC Captain, Rhyse Martin, alongside the likes of NRL top performer, Alex Johnston. New faces to the squad include, Jack De Belin next to experienced Kumuls forward, Dan Russell both from NRL side, St. George Illawarra.

The Pacific Bowl series will also likely see PNG Hunters, Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop and Valentine Richard earn their Kumuls numbers as they make their debuts.

Wapu Sonk, Chairman of the PNG LNG Kumuls, said, “We saw an outstanding effort from our PMXIII’s side in September and it is a privilege to announce this year’s Pacific Championship squad, with a high calibre of our PNG players assembling from Australia, England and Papua New Guinea, to fly our flag for the first test match in country, since the 2019 Great Britain Lions match.”

Santos PNG Orchids

The Santos PNG Orchids squad will feature 12 Orchids who have earnt their numbers in the recent 2022 Rugby League World Cup and previous test matches. Whilst 6 have come from the PNGRFL National Women’s Championships which includes two promising talents from the Junior Orchids, Meli Joe and Yolanda Taute. After their performances during their Prime Minister’s XIII weekend match against the Australian School Girls side last month.

The Ben Jeffries coached side will go up against the Cook Island Moana 12:30pm, Sunday 22nd October, Santos National Football Stadium.

Newly appointed Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids and PNG Communications Manager of naming rights sponsor Santos, Ms. Celestine Ove, said, “The journey of the Santos PNG Orchids, has been one that continues to see the advancement of women in the sport and this squad highlights and celebrates the progress of our women and girls. Seeing our NRLW and Australian based players combined with the strong upcoming domestic talent and Juniors, is an indication of the evolution of the women’s game and I am proud to be able to share this squad, who will represent PNG come 22nd October.”

The Pacific Championships squads are as below:
2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
PNG LNG KUMULS SQUAD
15 OCTOBER -5 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Alex Johnston
South Sydney Rabbitoh
2
Benji Kot
PNG Hunters
3
Dan Russell
St. George Illawarra Dragons
4
Edwin Ipape
Leigh Leopards
5
Epel Kapinias
PNG Hunters
6
Jack De Belin
St. George Illawarra Dragons
7
Jacob Alick
Gold Coast Titans
8
Judah Rimbu
PNG Hunters
9
Junior Rop
PNG Hunters
10
Justin Olam
Melbourne Storm
11
Kyle Laybutt
Townsville Blackhawks
12
Lachlan Lam
Leigh Leopards
13
Liam Horne
Castleford Tigers
14
Nene Macdonald
Leeds Rhinos
15
Nixon Putt
Castleford Tigers
16
Rhyse Martin
Leeds Rhinos
17
Robert Derby
North Queensland Cowboys
18
Rodrick Tai
PNG Hunters
19
Valentine Richard
Central Qld Capras
20
Wellington Albert
London Broncos
21
Zac Laybutt
North Queensland Cowboys

2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD
PNG V COOK ISLANDS, 22 OCTOBER 2023
1
Almah Johnson
PNG
2
Belinda Gwasumun
PNG
3
Bertshiba Awoi
PNG
4
Elsie Albert
NSW
5
Emily Veivers
QLD
6
Essay Banu
AUS
7
Freda Waula
PNG
8
Gloria Kaupa
NSW
9
Jessikah Reeves
AUS
10
Lancy Ulkambane
PNG
11
La-Toniya Norris-Addo
NT
12
Leila Kerowa
PNG
13
Lyiannah Allen
PNG
14
Meli Joe
PNG
15
Roswita Kapo
NSW
16
Sareka Mooka
QLD
17
Sera Koroi
QLD
18
Shellie Long
QLD
19
Sillah Rumints
VIC
20
Ua Ravu
ACT
21
Yolanda Taute
PNG

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Rugby League

PNGRFL Appoints Tony Archer

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Tony Archer

Rugby League in PNG has received another major boost with the appointment of Tony Archer to head up their Competition Governance and Match Officials.

On the back of Joe Grima’s appointment as Head of Player Pathways and Justin Holbrook’s decision to take on the National Coaching role with the Kumuls, Archer’s appointment is another major step forward for PNG as they look to create a game-wide structure that will help them become the next team admitted to the National Rugby League.

The passion for the game in the country has again been on show in recent months, with sell-out crowds for the finals series of the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup matches, including the Grand Final and the more recently held PM’s XIII weekend.

Archer’s background as an official is impressive. After making his National Rugby League first grade debut in 1999, Archer went on to referee 295 NRL games between 1999 and 2012, forming a reputation as one of the best referees in the game.

During his stellar career he took charge of many important matches, including six consecutive NRL Grand Finals between 2007 and 2012.

His representative career was also decorated, with Archer refereeing 13 State of Origin matches and 9 International matches, including the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations decider.

This level of consistency led to him being named International Referee of the Year in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

After retiring in 2012, Archer began his move into the coaching of officials, and in late 2013 he took over from Daniel Anderson as Referees Elite Performance Manager, which he held between 2014 and 2018. In 2017 he led the Officials for the Rugby League World Cup. Currently his role with the NRL includes Education, Development and Pathways of Officials.

Stanley Hondina, CEO PNGRFL, saw Archer’s appointment as another significant step forward for rugby league in PNG:

“Officiating and Competition Governance is an incredibly important part of the game and to have someone of Tony’s experience and expertise head up that area for PNG is tremendous news.”
“We are looking to create the best possible pathways for our players and that requires high quality officiating and professional competition governance from the grass roots all the way through to the senior level.”
“Tony has performed this role successfully with the NRL, and he will bring a wealth of knowledge and ideas that will help us create a new generation of officials for both the men’s and women’s programs going forward.”
“We look forward to Tony starting with us in the coming weeks”.

Tony Archer
Tony Archer officiating an NRL match.

Tony Archer expressed his excitement at the opportunity to contribute to the game in PNG:

“Building the foundation in Officiating and Governance from the grass roots upwards is crucial when it comes to creating a strong pathways system in sport.”
“When it comes to being able to contribute to the game in Papua New Guinea, it is a unique and exciting opportunity to work with such passionate people who love the game of Rugby League and are so determined to see it continue to grow.”
“Speaking to those involved I know the time and effort that has gone into creating a strategic approach to building a professional structure and making sure that the development of officials and the correct competition governance sits as a high priority.”
“I can’t wait to start and to work with the next generation of officials. Having seen the steps that have been put in place in terms of pathways and coaching, I’m excited about what lies ahead for the game in PNG.”

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Softball

Reviving Softball

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East New Britain Softball

21 softball teams from around East New Britain took part in the recent Gugu Hire Car Softball Tournament in Rabaul which saw Starbase Ivarak winning the grand prize.

The tournament was held at the Queen Elizabeth Park from 28th September to 1st October, the four day competition was aimed at reviving the sporting code in the volcanic town through the Rabaul Softball Association (RSA).

In the Men’s grand finals, Starbase Ivarak defeated Paveks Kikila Cats 9-6 after completing the 7th inning. Taking home K2,000 prize money.

Paveke Kikila secured K1,000 as runner-ups. Also being awarded the “Most Disciplined Team”.

In the Women’s category, Island Hawks defeated Manolos 14-3 in the grand final. Taking home K2,000 and K1,000 prized money respectively.

Softball Veterans in the likes of;

  • Esau Vinarang, pitching for Starbase Ivarak, – Mesach Topia playing for Paveks Kikila Cats,
    -Ishmael Marnapal playing for MSC, Rosa Maira playing for Sea Bruk Cardinals, Pauline Kaputin pitching for Manolos,
    -sisters-Baiai Tevita and Elsie Tevita laying down the pitcher-catcher combinations for the Island Hawks.

Following the successful conclusion of the Tournament, the RSA Interim Executive Chairlady and tournament director, Bernadette Payoe said, the RSA Interim Executive Committee will decide on options to commence season proper or corporate softball.

The RSA has extended it’s appreciation for sponsors within East New Britain that enabled the softball tournament to be successfully staged.

The Gold sponsor Gugu Hire Car donated K10,000 and earned the naming rights. Gugu Hire Car is a local hire car and construction company.

Minor sponsors include Mengen Limited, Jacom Building Construction Limited, Coastal Shipping Company, EQF Band and Tropicana Ltd.

Sports Page: https://insidepng.com/sports/

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Rugby League

Australia Best Passionate PNG Side

By
PNG Side

A tough enough performance by the PNG Prime Ministers XIII gave a home crowd at the Santos National Football stadium something to cheer about. Despite the 18 points to 30 loss handed by the Australians to PNG, it showed that PNG had the passion to perform to their best.

The Australians came out victors but had to work hard for the win, a passionate crowd and a passionate performance by the PNG side left fans a little bit more excited despite the end result.

A handful of NRL fringe players and a collection of Hot plus Cup and Digicel Cup players, against a star studded NRL line up. What a match it was, proving PNG has a bright future ahead with the young side holding their own against the Australians.

In past years it would spell doom for most that gathered for the match, anticipating an Australian demolition of PNG but on Saturday, the momentum was with the PNG side from the get go. With just four minutes into the match a cross field bomb within the Aussies 20 meter line by captain Kyle Laybutt was fumbled by Cody Walker and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, allowing Nene Macdonald to pounce on the loose ball.

A huge pop as the crowd erupted in cheer, for almost a minute you could not hear yourself speak. PNG taking an early lead. PNG held their own in the next 10 minutes but Australia came back as sure enough, a string of passes led to Murray Taulagi, stepping three defenders back infield to stroll in for the visitors first points.

By then the scores were tied 6-6, and PNG were mounting on an impressive defense led by captain Kyle Laybutt whose tackling technique was on show throughout the match. Despite the defensive effort by the home side, Australia extended their lead seven minutes before half time. An inside ball by Tom Dearden found Hudson Young running through a hole in defense just 10 meters off the try line.

A successful conversion ending the first half 12-6 in favor of Australia.

The second half saw PNG score first at the back of strong runs by the forwards, Junior Rop’s carry in the Australian’s 20 meter line forming the catalyst for a try. Hooker Judah Rimbu handing an inside ball to forward Cruise Ten to muscle his way over for a four pointer.

A successful conversion tying the scores once more at 12 all, the Australians took control and for the next 20 minutes scored through Alofiana Khan-Pereira in the 58th minute and Cameron McInnes in the 61st minute, extending their lead to 24 points to 12.

But it would be Epel Kapinias who would rekindle the fiery PNG side with just 10 minutes of play remaining. A short grubber by hooker Judah Rimbu between the uprights pounced on by Epel for the try.

A successful conversion led to a 6 point deficit for the PNG side trailing 24 points to 18. It seemed PNG would end the match at this score line but just seconds out from full time, Australian fullback Tyrell Sloan managed to end the match with a converted try, ending the fixture 30 points to 18 for a strong finish for the Aussies.

Zac Laybutt with the boot finished 3 from 3 and Australia’s Zac Lomax finished 5 from 5.

Kyle Laybutt, a man of few words, let his game do the talking. As Captain he simply put the win down to a great effort by the team. His guidance in the seven jersey proved to be pivotal in their attack. His mixture of long kicks and spiral bombs was hard to take on the full by the Australian backline.

“So proud of the boys. We went in there to make things happen and we did. We got a lot of young players coming through like my brother Zac and Treigh Stewart, and (I) can’t wait to see what’s ahead of us,” Laybutt said.

PNG Side
PNG Side
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Sport

Support for Team PNG

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Pacific Games

The Papua New Guinean Government is looking forward to sending a robust contingent to the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister, James Marape said his government is fully committed to assembling a determined and formidable team of athletes for the highly-anticipated 2023 Pacific Games, scheduled to be held in Honiara.

“We wholeheartedly endorse our team and call upon our athletes, Team PNG management, and the PNG Olympic Committee to prepare diligently, upholding our nation’s honor,” said Marape.

The 2023 Pacific Games will be held in Honiara Solomon Islands, from November 19th to December 2nd, 2023.

When launching the 2023 Prime Minister’s Golf Challenge, Marape announced a fundraising initiative aimed at garnering support for Team PNG in their quest for success at the games.

“The National Government’s commitment to our team heading to Honiara is unwavering. It’s heartening to witness corporate organisations stepping forward to offer their support,” said Marape.

Apart from supporting team PNG, the PNG government deployed a contingent of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to Honiara to assist Solomon Islands police provide security during the games.

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Rugby League

Passion to Represent PNG

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PM's XIII

It’s about passion and putting your body on the line. That pretty much summed up what senior player Nene Macdonald and Prop Forward Valentine Culligan had to say about today’s PM’s XIII match.

Both players are part of an underdog PNG Prime Ministers XIII en route for a showdown with a star studded Australian PM’s XIII side that are favorites to dominate the match.

With overwhelming odds against them they look to the basics in rugby league and the passion they share to represent PNG in the sport of rugby league.

Nene Macdonald first represented PNG in 2013 and this time around, he is one of the senior players that are pushing the debutants to give their all against the Aussies.

Nene Macdonald

A senior player no doubt he will be pivotal in attack and defense. He says the same passion that he had years ago is present in the debutants and knows they can give a good challenge to their opponents.

“I remember putting on the jersey in 2013 and coming out to the crowd. The atmosphere was great seeing everyone in the crowd cheering, a very emotional moment and very proud moment for me and my family,” Macdonald said.

The passion that PNG has is always ambient around the team. Especially in the presence of former Kumul players, most of which, are part of the Coaching staff. Former Kumuls like Paul Aiton and John Wilshere among others, continue to strengthen the next crop of Kumuls to come.

“For us the passion has been our strongest weapon for the fight. I will always be proud of being a Papua New Guinean. It’s been almost five years since I came back to PNG and it’s great to be back.

“Putting past players into the team as staff, they know what it’s like to put that jersey on. I think for us when you put that Kumul Jersey on. It’s a bit different than playing for another country. We work so hard and it’s a big dream for many young Papua New Guineans playing for the national team,” Macdonald added

PNG’s Prime Minister’s XIII side in training.

It will be tough and the PNG boys are up against the might of Australia’s PM’s XIII. It can be intimidating but Prop forward Valentine Culligan is up for the cause. Players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui pose the biggest threat in the forwards, but Valentine is not shaken, and is ready for the battle.

He added that they have to keep it simple and bring on the aggression. He is ready to go all out in this encounter.

“We will be keeping it simple. We have to run hard and tackle hard and keep the errors to a minimum. It will be tough but like I said, I’ll put my body on the line to try my best and keep giving my best.”

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Rugby League

Aussies PM’s XIII Arrive to Fanfare at Jacksons Airport

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PM's XIII

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/

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Rugby League

Junior Kumuls a Pathway to Overseas Leagues

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A new pathway to get exposure for young Papua New Guineans that play rugby league is the Junior Kumuls concept, the match between the Junior Kangaroos and the Junior Kumuls is sanctioned by the National Rugby Leagues (NRL) and selection comes under the guidelines of the NRL also.

This was made mention of by CEO of PNGRFL Stanley Hondina during the teams announcement.
Coach of the Junior Kumuls Joe Grima who extensively coached in both England and Australia has complied with set standards from the NRL to pick the best possible junior team to represent Papua New Guinea.
Grima’s last post was as the Elite Pathways Coach and also Assistant Coach at the Parramatta Eels in the NRL.

Grima left his job at Parramatta to take up a job here in PNG with the PNGRFL, his insight into the NRL standards has helped in making sure that PNG has a strong side against the Australians.

“We’ve got three players that we’ve identified from Australia, and they’re linked to Manly, Gold Coast and the other Cowboys. “We’ve also identified players from all four regions of Papua New Guinea. And to top all that off, we’ve identified the best six or seven eligible bass players from the Digicel Exxon Mobil cup.
“And what we want to do is provide a platform for those young men and women. So we have an opportunity for these young men and women to be offered opportunities to get into the Queensland rugby league to get into the New South Wales rugby league, certainly the NRL and certainly Super League and we’ve already had some expression of interest with Australian based clubs already.

“So it’s already starting to manifest. But absolutely, we want to use this opportunity as a platform where we can promote these young men and women into elevated and elite programs in Australia,” Grima said.

The team is made up of Under 20s, from the ages of 20 and below, and Grima says that they have a good mixture of players within the ages of 20 and 17 years of age.

“It’s Junior Kumuls. It’s not a community or junior school boys program. So the age limit is under 20s. So we’ve selected five 20 year olds, and the remainders of the players fluctuate between 17 and 19.
“We’re very, very excited to say that we’ve actually identified three 17 year olds that would have been recognized through a community or school based program and represented their various district and were identified in the national championships here.

“So, out of the 18 players, all players must be no older than 20 years of age, which is consistent to the standards and the regulations set out by the NRL,”Grima said
Grima added that those selected had gone through an extensive vetting process and some players for both the junior Kumuls and the Junior Orchids had to be dropped because of the age restrictions.
“Players need to demonstrate their appropriate age, before they could take part and run onto the field, some evidence would need to be provided.
“And we’re very, very delighted to say that all those men and women have demonstrated and have that documentation before they took to the field.

“Unfortunately, we did identify some players that did not have all the information that was inconsistent to what other information suggested, and unfortunately missed out there.

“No, I think that’s what the chairman and the CEO were suggesting when they said that, you know, we’ve followed the regulations by the NRL and we’re fully compliant in that field so we can take that field and give it the best shot against arguably the world’s best teams,” Grima said

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Rugby League

Daly Cherry-Evans Headline Aust PM’s XIII

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PM's XIII

The Australian Rugby League Commission and the Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese, MP has announced the Australian Men’s and Women’s Prime Minister XIII squads to take on PNG PM’s XIII teams at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, on Saturday, September 23rd.

The Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII will include eight representatives from the 2022 World Cup winning Kangaroo squad, for the first Prime Ministers XIII encounter in PNG since 2018.

The Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII has been selected with a view to giving some of the best up and coming players in the NRLW an opportunity alongside a number of established representative players including Kennedy Cherrington, Botille Vette-Welsh and Tallisha Harden.

“Being Prime Minister is a great honor. I enjoy every part of the job, but a fun part is getting to pick the PM’s XIII sides,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“These contests represent far more than just a couple of games of footy. Papua New Guinea and  Australia are the closest of neighbors and we are the best of friends. We are working together to build a more prosperous stable and peaceful region. Rugby League is an opportunity to celebrate our friendship and strength in our partnership.

“I’m really looking forward to Cam and Tallisha leading out their teams in Port Moresby, and know the contest will be great for the game, a thrill for the players selected and another important step forward for our region.”

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM congratulated all players on their selection in a special team.

“These players have performed exceptionally well throughout the season and have earned the chance to wear the Green and Gold for Australia,” Mr V’landys said.

“I congratulate the players selected for both teams as to represent your country is the ultimate achievement. It’s also an inspiration for fans in Australia and of course the fans in PNG, where Rugby League means so much.”

Australian Men’s PM’s XIII Coach Mal Meninga said the match would provide a selection guide ahead of the first ever Pacific Championships across October and November.

“This squad is a blend of experience from the World Cup last year, additional State of Origin players from this year, as well as younger players who would like who we would like to see at this level,” Meninga said.

“There was fairly unanimous agreement across the selections and I can’t wait to see this group test themselves in the green and gold.”

Australian Women’s PM’s XIII Coach Brad Donald said the PM’s XIII would provide opportunities for the players to both further their representative aspirations as well as experience something quite unique.

“It’s a really well-balanced team featuring some of our First Nations Gems players, emerging talent in the NRLW competition and a handful of Jillaroos representatives who will be the key leaders,” Donald said.

The PM’s XIII concept is aimed at using rugby league to drive social awareness messages. This year’s event will also see the introduction of the Australian school boys and girls taking on our Junior Kumuls and Orchids respectively, with support from the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade and the NRL.

The 2023 Australian. Men’s Prime Minister XIII is as follows (alphabetical order).

Josh Addo-Carr                                Bulldogs

Daly Cherry-Evans (VC)                  Sea-Eagles

Reuben Cotter                                 Cowboys

Tom Dearden                                   Cowboys

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui                       Titans

Emre Guler                                       Raiders

Ben Hunt                                           Dragons

Nicho Hynes                                     Sharks

Alofiana Khan-Pereira                    Titans

Zac Lomax                                         Dragons

Cameron McInnes                          Sharks

Cameron Murray ©                        Rabbitohs

Reece Robson                                  Cowboys

Tyrell Sloan                                       Dragons

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow                    Dolphins

Murray Taulagi                                Cowboys

Jake Trbojevic                                  Sea Eagles

Cody Walker                                     Rabbitohs

Hudson Young                                 Raiders

The 2023 Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII is as follows (alphabetical order):

Teagan Berry Dragons

Kennedy Cherrington (VC)            Eels

Rueben Cherrington                       Eels

Abbey Church                                  Eels

Keisha-Leigh Coolwell                    Broncos

Quincy Dodd                                    Sharks

Kayla Fleming                                   First Nations Gems

Tallisha Harden ©                          Cowboys

Kimberly Hunt                                 Eels

Emma Manzelmann                       Cowboys

Jasmin Morrissey                            First Nations Gems

Rachel Pearson                                Eels

Christian Pio                                     Tigers

China Polata                                     Cowboys

Tiana Raftstrand-Smith                 Cowboys

Taneka Todhunter                           Eels

Casey Tohi-Hiku                               Eels

Botille Vette-Welsh                        Tigers

Jakiya Whitfield                               Tigers

Janelle Williams                              Raiders

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Rugby League

PM’s XIII 2023 to Include Junior Matches

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The infamous Prime Minister’s XIII rugby match between PNG Kumuls and Australian Kangeroos is expected to see Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids taking on Australian school boys and girls in the two days of the rugby tournament.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced twelve teams will participate when the games are held in Port Moresby later this month.

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, said the PNGRFL were delighted to see the game back in PNG after 5 years, and fans will be treated to a massive weekend of rugby league come the 23rd and 24th of September.

“For the first time in the history of the PM’s XIII matches, there will be 12 teams playing 6 games over 2 days, something that’s never been done before and we look forward to welcoming all our fans over the two days.” said Hondina.

The PM’s XIII concept is an initiative of both the PNG and Australian governments and since 2005, the matches were one event most Port Moresby residents look forward to annually.

The drawcard matches are on Saturday 23 September, while on Sunday 24th September, the fans will be treated to the up-and- coming stars of our game going head-to-head, with the Defence Men the final match of the day.

For ticket purchasing the ticket prices are priced accordingly and keeping in mind that the prices are consistent with the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the 2019 Great Britain Lions Tour to PNG.

While the Corporate Boxes have all been allocated to the Game’s major sponsors and dignitaries, there are still opportunities for individuals and companies to be a part of a weekend of world class rugby league.

The schedule for the weekend is as follows;

  • Saturday 23rd September 2023
  • 12pm: Defence Women – PNGDF Vs ADF
  • 2pm: PM’s XIII Women
  • 4pm: PM’s XIII Men
  • Sunday 24th September 2023
  • 12pm: Junior Orchids Vs Australian School -Girls
  • 2pm: Junior Kumuls Vs Australia School Boys
  • 4pm: Defence Men – PNGDF Vs ADF

The ticket prices are as follows;

Saturday 23rd September 2023 Stands;

  • Grandstand K120
  • Western Wings K80
  • Eastern Stand K50
  • North & South K30

And Sunday 24th September 2023 Stands;
Grandstand K40
Western Wings K25
Eastern Stand K15
North & South K10

Tickets are on sale now from 6pm today Online at Tiketmastas.com, or you can buy over-the- counter this Friday at at selective normal outlets including;

  • Brian Bell Boroko
  • J-Mart Erima
  • Cool Stuff Rangeview

All games will be held at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

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