THE Australian Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league men’s and women’s teams to play their PNG rivals have been announced.
The PM XIII’s men’s and women’s teams will play at Port Moresby’s Santos Stadium on Sunday, October 13.
Kangaroo and Roosters veteran Brad Fittler will coach the men’s side, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) says.
Women’s Indigenous All Stars coach Jess Skinner was named the women’s head coach.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys says the PM’s XIII fixture will kick off a packed international season.
“We’ve been thrilled and captivated by some of the best football we’ve ever witnessed across the 2024 NRL and NRLW seasons,” he says.
“Fortunately for all rugby league fans, the season doesn’t end with the (NRL) grand final.”
V’landys points that after the Prime Minister’s XIII matches comes the Pacific Championships which will be played in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and PNG.
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“Rugby League is king in PNG,” V’landys says.
“The two Prime Minister’s XIII matches will grip the country.
“It will be a great occasion and an incredible experience for the players involved,” V’landys predicts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says these matches will strengthen ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“Sport brings us together, both on and off the field,” he says.
“Rugby league is effectively the national sport of Papua New Guinea.
“What better way to bring Australia and Papua New Guinea closer together than through rugby league.”
NRL TEAM
The games also come as PNG’s bid to field a team in the NRL takes a step closer.
During a visit to Cairns, PM Albanese was asked by a journalist about the possibility of the city hosting the team.
“Negotiations are continuing on the PNG team with the NRL,” he replied.
“The vision that’s there is for the team to be based in Port Moresby,” he pointed out.
“I have no doubt, given the relationship between the PNG diaspora and the Cairns community, that there will be considerable interaction and benefit for Cairns here.”
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