Australia defeats Papua New Guinea 60-10 in Prime Minister’s XIII match

Australia defeated Papua New Guinea 60-10 in the men’s Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league match at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The touring side scored 11 tries in the 20th edition of the fixture, exploiting defensive frailties as the hosts missed 47 tackles during the match.

Australia Uses Makeshift Alignments in Port Moresby

The match featured unconventional selections and positional rotations by the Australian side. Coach Ben Teo utilized the fixture to keep players engaged after a long season, leading to makeshift alignments across the field. Ezra Mam spent time at fullback, Jock Madden played on an edge, Jamal Fogarty featured in the centers, and Josh Curran kicked a goal. At one point, three regular hookers occupied the field simultaneously. Captain David Fifita provided consistency by starting and finishing the match at left center.

Papua New Guinea Squad Performance and World Cup Outlook

Papua New Guinea struggled with discipline and possession, missing 28 tackles in the first half alone. For Jason Demetriou, the former NRL and current London Broncos coach who will guide the Papua New Guinea Kumuls at the upcoming World Cup, the match highlighted areas for development as the Papua New Guinea Chiefs’ NRL entry approaches. However, players such as Sylvester Namo, uncapped centre Stanford Talita, and fullback Sanny Wabo emerged as candidates for Demetriou’s World Cup squad. Earlier on Saturday, the Junior Kumuls provided a bright spot by securing a historic 18-10 victory over the Australian Schoolboys.

Australia Beats Papua New Guinea Women's Side

In the women’s international fixture at the same venue, Australia recorded a 66-6 victory over the Papua New Guinea women’s Prime Minister’s XIII, crossing for 12 tries. The Papua New Guinea side scored a point in the fixture for the first time in three years. Jada Taylor scored three tries for the visitors, playing on the wing despite her usual club position at fullback. Players including half Kasey Reh, centre Tahlia O’Brien, hooker Taneka Todhunter, and back-rower Tayla Preston used the fixture as an audition in front of coach Jess Skinner ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Papua New Guinea Orchids coach Craig Sandercock oversaw his side as they managed 37 per cent possession and maintained an 85 per cent completion rate before tiring late in each half.