The Australian Prime Minister’s XIII side have retained their unbeaten run against the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII with a 42-20 win in the capital of Papa New Guinea, Port Moseby, on Saturday.
The Australian line-up, although hindered due to the Australian Kangaroos selection for the 2024 Pacific Championships, were able to put on a dominant display after conceding two tries to Papua New Guinea within the first ten minutes.
With a team consisting of semi-unproven rookies such as Newcastle Knight’s Fletcher Sharpe, West Tiger’s Lachlan Galvin and Canberra Raider’s Kaeo Weekes, the Australian outfit were explosive in their scoring efforts. Gold Coast Titan Beau Fermor crashed over the line for Australia’s first try in the 13th minute, igniting the Australian spirit that was lacking in the opening minutes.
An excellent show-and-go try from Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart left the Papua New Guinea side flat-footed and saw both sides locked up at two tries apiece. It was only a matter of time until Australian playmaker Luke Brooks found space to assist St George Illawarra Dragon Jacob Liddle, who went in under the posts to put the Aussies in front at half time.
One spectator on social media platform – X commended the Australian XIII on their performance.
“Superb comeback by the Kangaroos. Poor defence by the [Papua New Guinea] Kumuls. The Kumuls need to step up as this is not Australia’s A-team,” @adrian_wamp said.
Another account on X was disappointed with the Papua New Guinea side.
“12-0 up at 10′ and we were saying this might be the day. This hurts,” @AkinuKum said.
The start of the second half had reserve player Kaeo Weekes run in two electrifying tries, showcasing his blistering pace and agility. Only five minutes later, the 2024 NRL leading try-scorer Alofiana Khan-Pereira found the line through a perfectly structured set play down the left side.
The Kumuls went into the final ten minutes down 36 points to 12 and in desperate need of an attacking spark. Interchange player Dudley Dotoi would deliver this with a break down the left hand side, followed by an audacious chip and chase attempt. The ball failed to pop up back into his hand however awkwardly bounced right over Dotoi and landed into the hands of five-eighth Finley Glare. A try that will be remembered in the nation for years to come.
Despite the heavy loss, the PNG locals could be heard and their passion for the game displayed with how they greeted the Australian players and gave them their support.
Kangaroos legend and coach Brad Fittler spoke post game about his admiration of Papua New Guinea and the Prime Minister game tradition.
“[I’ve] enjoyed every part of this, the crowd as you’re driving from the airport, everything about PNG and the passion of the people,” Mr Fittler said.
“The [Papua New Guinea] Kumuls play so whole-hearted, there’s no going away and having a bad experience.
“We just appreciate that you love what we do, the fact is we get to come out here and coach and play and have people turn up and be so passionate.”