The Papua New Guinea (PNG) representative coaches Tahnee Noris and Jason Demetriou have announced the full squad for the men and women for the Prime Minister’s XIII match this Sunday 13th October.
The PNG squads have assembled in Port Moresby ahead of the international Games to take place at the Santos National Football Stadium.
Norris acknowledged this PMs game as an opportunity to play against some of the best players in the NRLW, addressing it as a test for PNG Players against a firm Australian side, to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Championship.
“I’m excited to see the talent we have assembled in this squad come together and play some of the football we have seen them produce during their seasons.
“We have some NRLW experience in the squad who will bring a lot of knowledge to the side, and we have also selected players who were stand-outs in a very competitive Santos Cup competition.
“I am looking forward to seeing the players come together and work hard through the week. This is an important game, but it will also help set us up for the exciting challenge ahead during the Pacific Championships tournament,” said Norris.
Meanwhile, the PNG men’s squad is dominated by the SP Hunters players who recently played in this year’s Hostplus Cup preliminary finals, with Petero Civoniceva Medal Winner Judah Rimbu as the hooker.
Demetriou included domestic players from the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final after witnessing the game in PNG.
An exciting addition will see the return to representative stage for Morea Morea following an injury recovery sustained in last year PMs XIII in Port Moresby.
Demetriou mentioned that the future looks promising for the men’s representative side.
“It is not until you get the list of players available that you realize how strong the side can be so I am really looking forward to pulling that together.”
“The big thing for me is putting in a program and a plan that is authentic and suits the way the Kumuls like to play and that for me as a coach is the most exciting challenge,” Demetriou said.
Meantime, tickets for the match are on sale at the outlets, including JMart as well as the National Football Stadium ticketing booth and online at ticketmastas.com. The price remains the same since last year with North/South Stand –K30, Eastern Stand- K50, Western Stand- K80 and the Grandstand – K120.
All games will be televised on TV Wan, including the men’s game to be shown on Channel 9.
The game schedule is as follows:
9:00 am- PNG Junior Orchids Vs Ausatralia School Girls
11:00 am- PNG Junior Kumuls Vs Australia School Boys
1:00 am- PM’s XIII PNG Women Vs Australia
3:00 am- PM’s XIII PNG Men Vs Australia
PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Squads name list is as follows with player’s name and their respective club.
PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s squad (first name alphabetical order)
Alex Max – SP PNG Hunters
Benji Kot- SP PNG Hunters
Brandon Nima – SP PNG Hunters
Dan Russell – St George Illawarra Dragons
Dudley Dotoi – Townsville Blackhawks
Elijah Roltinga – SP PNG Hunters
Finley Glare – SP PNG Hunters
Ila Alu – SP PNG Hunters
Jamie Mavoko -SP PNG Hunters
Jordan Pat – SP PNG Hunters
Josh Mire – SP PNG Hunters
Judah Rimbu – SP PNG Hunters
Khaiya Waiembi – Central Queensland Capras
Koso Bandi – SP PNG Hunters
Liam Horne – Castleford Tigers
Morea Morea – SP PNG Hunters
Murray Conners – Kroton Hela Wigmen
Robert Mathias – SP PNG Hunters
Sakias Komati – SP PNG Hunters
Sanny Wabo – SP PNG Hunters
Slyvester Namo – Castleford Tigers
PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Women squad (first name alphabetical order)
Belinda Gwasamun – Wentworthville Magpies
Delailah Ahose – Goroka Lahanis
Elsie Albert – Parramatta Eels
Emily Veivers – Norths Devils
Essay Banu – Norths Queensland Cowboys
Freda Anthony – Central Dabaris
Freda Waula – Mt Hagen Eagles
Gloria Kaupa – Wentworthville Magpies
Jenny Wesley – Goroka Lahanis
Jessikah Reeves – Western Clydesdales Latoniya
Norris-Addo – Darwin Brothers
Leila Kerowa – Central Dabaris
Lilah Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers
Lyiannah Allen – Mt Hagen Eagles
Mala Mark – Central Dabaris
Meli Joe – Mt Hagen Eagles
Roswita Kapo – Wentworthville Magpies
Sareka Mooka – North Queensland Cowboys
Sera Koroi – Goodna
Talitha Kunjil – Mt Hagen Eagles
Ua Ravu – Canberra Raiders
Yolanda Taute – Goroka Lahanis