PNG Announces Squads for 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League Clash against Australia
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has announced the men’s and women’s squads for this year’s Prime Minister’s XIII clash against Australia, set for Sunday, October 12, in Port Moresby. The teams, including the Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids, have assembled in camp today ahead of the much-anticipated event.
This year’s fixture marks the 20th anniversary of the annual Prime Minister’s XIII match between Papua New Guinea and Australia, first played in 2005. The milestone game comes just weeks after PNG’s Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations.
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| PNG Announces Squads for 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League Clash against Australia |
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the 2025 PM’s XIII would celebrate two decades of sporting and diplomatic partnership between the two nations. “The Prime Minister’s XIII match kicks off the representative season with the Pacific Championships following right after. Beyond the games, the 2025 PM’s XIII marks 20 years of close relations between PNG and Australian rugby league, especially in player development,” Mr. Tsaka said.
He said the squads represent the country’s ongoing investment in its player pathways and domestic competitions, including the PNG NRL Bid Academy, PNGNRLC National Youth Competition, and Santos Cup. “Our selections showcase the growth of rugby league in PNG, from our grassroots systems to players now featuring in the NRL and English Super League,” Tsaka added.
The event will feature four matches, beginning with the Junior Orchids vs. Australian School Girls at 9:00am, followed by the Junior Kumuls vs. Australian School Boys at 11:00am. The Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII match will kick off at 1:00pm, and the Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII will close the day’s program at 3:05pm.
Tickets are available at Post PNG outlets nationwide, priced at K30 for the Eastern Stand, K50 for the North/South Stands, K80 for the Western Wings, and K120 for the Grandstand.
The Prime Minister’s XIII began in 2005 with the men’s fixture, later expanding to include the women’s game in 2017 and the junior divisions in 2023. The annual event promotes not only rugby league development but also humanitarian causes supported by both the PNG and Australian governments.
PM’s XIII Men’s Squad:
PM's 13 squad
1. Nene Macdonald
2. Robert Derby
3. Robert Mathias
4. Alex Max
5. Dudley Dotoi
6. Finley Glare
7. Kyle Laybutt
8. Epel Kapianis
9. Liam Horne
10. Sylvester Namo
11. Jacob Alick-Wienke
12. Nixon Putt
13. Jack Debelin
14. Judah Rimbu
15. Cooper Bai
16. lla Alu
17. Valentine Richard
18. Jacob Taulani
19. Morea Morea
20. Gairo Varo
Jason Demetriou — Head Coarch
PM’s XIII Women’s Squad:
PM's 13 Women 1. Fleur Ginn 2. Skaylyn Sil 3. Relna Wuruki-Hosea 4. Ruth Gende 5. Naomi Kelly 6. India Seeto 7. Caitlin Tanner 8. Elise Albert 9. Therese Aiton 10. Jessikah Reeves 11. Sareka Mooka 12. Essay Banu 13. Josephine Howard 14. Delaliah Ahose 15. Gloria Kaupa 16. Emmogen Taumafai 17. Leila Kerowa 18. Marie Biyama 19. Emily Vievers 20. Mala Mark 21. Belinda Gwasamun Tahnee Norris — Head Coach
Junior Kumuls Squad:
Junior Kumuls 1. Hercules Kondo 2. Araga Eresi 3. Nathaniel Apa 4. Kevin Yako 5. Manase Watt 6. Ellyjah Birve 7. Felix Beki 8. Jabiri Mack 9. Jeffery Philip 10. Vane Manuma 11. Geordan Amaiu 12. Joseph Kora (Capt.) 13. David Issac 14. Ishmael Vaieke 15. Otto Thomas 16. Taufa Taulani 17. Ames John 18. Ryan Martin Joseph Grima — Head Coach
Junior Orchids Squad:
Junior Orchids 1. Janique Mili 2. Jarishma Fonataba 3. Christolite Diunde 4. Ukere Sabumei 5. Irene Luana 6. Tia Molo 7. Joyce Horbert 8. Chloe Thompson 9. Josephine Wesu 10. Williamina Hauna 11. Mya Muller 12. Brenda Koi 13. Alice Joe 14. Brigit Movoa 15. Elisabeth Loriri 16. Meriso Jomino 17. Rayleen Karry 18. Rhonda Joseph 19. Christine Raiam Godfrey Luke — Head Coach
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