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.