For the first time in five years, both the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s and Women’s teams both touched down at the Jackson’s International Terminal yesterday to a warm welcome as mad Rugby League fans flocked to the Airport to catch a glimpse of their NRL heroes.
Australian Prime Minister’s XIII Coach Mal Meninga following their arrival in Port Moresby stated that they were glad to be back in the country to participate in the invitational match since 2018.
Starting of their journey in Marlburgh, he said they were lucky enough to get together and come up with all other teams that will take the field on the weekend against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) side.
Meanwhile, recently appointed Kumuls and PNG PM’s XIII coach, Justin Holbrooke in his first engagement for the PNG side, stated that it is the first opportunity for himself to coach a national side and that it has been a really good week in training for the side.
“As Mal mentioned, our boys would want to play here since 2018. It’s a great occasion and one that we look forward to.”
Coach Holbrooke mentioned that the home team will be fielding a mixture of players from various levels of competition and with the Pacific test coming up, this will be an opportunity for the younger guys to perform.
Kyle Laybutt will also be making his first appearance as the skipper for the PNG side. He said it was a huge honor, one that he was not expecting and was really proud of being appointed.