PNG’s New-Look Prime Minister’s XIII Face Major Test Against Australia

A new generation of Papua New Guinea rugby league players will have the opportunity to prove themselves when the Prime Minister’s XIII meet Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 3, under the leadership of returning forward Sylvester Namo.

Namo is the only member of last year’s PNG outfit to retain his place, making his experience and leadership particularly important as the team prepares for the demanding encounter. His previous involvement with the PNG Kumuls and Hunters has given him exposure to the national representative system.

Sylvester Namo playing against Fiji in the Pacific Cup last year. Namo will Captain PMs 13 side/Photo by PNG Hunters

The selection marks a major departure from last year’s squad, with two of the previous match’s try-scorers, Dudley Dotoi and Epel Kapinias, not included in the latest team.

A change in coaching has also accompanied the squad reshuffle, with Port Moresby Vipers mentor Wellington Albert taking charge of the PNG side in place of Jason Demetriou.

Albert has turned primarily to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup for his selections, bringing together domestic competition players and a smaller number of footballers from other leagues, including the NSW Cup.

The coaching challenge will be to unite the relatively new combination and prepare the players for an Australian team expected to include experienced NRL campaigners.

For Namo, the responsibility extends beyond his performance on the field, with his experience likely to play a key role in helping the younger players adapt to the representative environment.

The match offers an important opportunity for emerging talents to demonstrate their potential against international opposition, with strong performances potentially opening doors to further national selection.

The upcoming Rugby League World Cup, which is only 16 days away, provides additional motivation for those seeking to secure a place in the PNG Kumuls. Saturday’s match will give players an opportunity to display their skills, fitness and readiness as preparations for the global tournament intensify.

PNG Prime Minister’s XIII squad: Sanny Wabo, Chris Benjamin, Stanford Talita, Jayden Numapo, Bruce Bawase, Victor Ario, Francis Sam, Koso Bandi, Stanza Tandoa, Sylvester Namo, Murray Connors, Jacob Taulani, Ila Alu, Emmanuel Alfred, Xavier Turi, Jordan Pat, Modekai Waim, Dou Tapako, Lote Kuman and Jeremiah Ben. The team will be coached by Wellington Albert. 


Australia Prime Minister’s XIII squad: William Kennedy, Jojo Fifita, Jaxon Purdue, Nick Meaney, Braidon Burns, Ezra Mam, Lachlan Galvin, Toby Couchman, Billy Walters, Josh Curran, Ryan Couchman, David Fifita (captain), Kurt Mann, Tallyn Da Silva, Owen Pattie, Nathan Brown, Tom Chester, Jock Madden, Josh Kerr and Hamish Stewart. The Australian team will be coached by Ben Te’o.