PNG Selects Prime Minister’s XIII Squads for October Rugby League Tests against Australia
Papua New Guinea will field two Prime Minister’s XIII teams against Australia next month after PNGRFL confirmed its men’s and women’s selections for the October 3 fixtures at Santos National Football Stadium.
The selections feature players drawn from PNG’s domestic competitions as well as Papua New Guineans competing in Australia, giving the country’s representative squads a mixture of experienced campaigners and younger players.
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| PNG Selects Prime Minister’s XIII Squads for October Rugby League Tests against Australia |
PNGRFL chief executive officer Stanley Hondina said the annual meeting with Australia remained an important occasion for PNG rugby league.
“Congratulations to all the players selected in the men’s and women’s sides, as well as the coaches and support staff who will lead them,” Hondina said.
He said the fixture also reflected the broader relationship shared by PNG and Australia.
“The Prime Minister’s XIII is an important annual fixture for Papua New Guinea, and we are pleased to once again welcome Australia to Port Moresby,” he said.
“This fixture is more than just a game of footy. It reflects the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries — from government to government and country to country, but more importantly, the strong people-to-people connections we share.”
Hondina said the number of players progressing through PNG’s domestic competitions into representative football was encouraging for the sport.
“Most of the players and staff selected have come through our national domestic competitions, and that is something PNGRFL is very proud of. It reflects the investment we have made in our pathways systems over the past few years and the progress we are beginning to see,” he said.
Wellington Albert takes charge of men
The men’s team will be guided by Wellington Albert, who is currently coaching the Port Moresby Vipers in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.
Albert will be taking charge of the Prime Minister’s XIII men for the first time, with his squad containing 20 players from several PNG clubs and the Newcastle Knights.
Men’s selection:
- Sanny Wabo – SP Hunters
- Chris Benjamin – ENB Gurias
- Stanford Talita – Western Clydesdales
- Jayden Numapo – Kandes RLC
- Bruce Bawase – PNG Hunters
- Victor Ario – Mendi Muruks
- Francis Sam – Mendi Muruks
- Koso Bandi – PNG Hunters
- Stanza Tandoa – Kandes RLC
- Sylvester Namo – PNG Hunters
- Murray Connors – PNG Hunters
- Jacob Taulani – Newcastle Knights
- Ila Alu – PNG Hunters
- Emmanuel Alfred – ENB Gurias
- Xavier Turi – Hela Wigmen
- Jordan Pat – Mt Hagen Eagles
- Modekai Waim – Enga Mioks
- Dou Tapako – Mendi Muruks
- Lote Kuman – Hela Wigmen
- Jeremiah Ben – Port Moresby Vipers
Albert said the squad had the ingredients needed to put up a strong challenge.
“Congratulations to all the players that were selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s squad. To earn a place in this team is a great achievement,” he said.
“We have a strong group of players with a good mix of experience and emerging talent, and I’m looking forward to seeing them come together and give their very best against Australia.”
Cathy Neap to coach women’s side
Cathy Neap has been selected to lead the PNG women’s team following her successful run with the Gas Resources Central Dabaris.
Neap has coached the Dabaris since the Santos Cup began and led the club to back-to-back premierships in 2025 and 2026.
The women’s Prime Minister’s XIII includes players from Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen, East New Britain and other domestic centres, together with representatives playing in Australia.
Women’s selection:
- Alice Alois – Port Moresby Vipers
- Anika Butler – Maitland Pickers
- Belinda Gwasamun – Mt Hagen Eagles
- Cynthia Peters – ENB Gurias
- Doreen William – Lae Tigers
- Gemma Schnaubelt – Western Clydesdales
- Gian Kaupa – Lae Tigers
- Jafinda Sap – Central Dabaris
- Ivania Wong – ACT Brumbies
- Jacinta Gerry – Mt Hagen Eagles
- Jenny David – Brisbane Tigers
- Josephine Howard – Central Dabaris
- Joyce Hobert – Port Moresby Vipers
- Lila Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers
- Mala Mark – Central Dabaris
The two Prime Minister’s XIII matches will be played at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 3.
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