The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has named the Prime Minister’s XIII Men and Women’s select sides for their respective clashes against Australia on Saturday, 3 October at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina said that the Prime Minister’s XIII is an important annual fixture for Papua New Guinea and are pleased to once again welcome Australia to Port Moresby.

“This fixture is more than just a game of footy. It reflects the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries- from government to government and country to country, but more importantly, the strong people-to-people connections we share.”

“Most of the players and staff selected have come through our national domestic competitions, and that is something PNGRFL is very proud of. It reflects the investment we have made in our pathways systems over the past few years and the progress we are beginning to see.”

“Congratulations to all the players selected in the men’s and women’s sides, as well as the coaches and support staff who will lead them. “

PRIME MINISTER’S XIII MEN

The Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s side features a strong blend of established players and emerging talent from the SP PNG Hunters, Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and other domestic competitions, alongside players gaining experience overseas.

Leading the side is Wellington Albert, who is in his first season as Head Coach of the Port Moresby Vipers in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. The appointment also marks Albert’s first opportunity to coach the Prime Minister’s XIII Men.

20-Player Squad

Sanny Wabo – PNG Hunters

Chris Benjamin – ENB Gurias

Stanford Talita – Western Clydesdales

Jayden Numapo – Kandes RLC

Bruce Bawase – PNG Hunters

Victor Ario – Mendi Muruks

Francis Sam – Mendi Muruks

Koso Bandi – PNG Hunters

Stanza Tandoa – Kandes RLC

Sylvester Namo – PNG Hunters

Murray Connors – PNG Hunters

Jacob Taulani – Newcastle Knights

Ila Alu – PNG Hunters

Emmanuel Alfred – ENB Gurias

Xavier Turi – Hela Wigmen

Jordan Pat – Mt Hagen Eagles

Modekai Waim – Enga Mioks

Dou Tapako – Mendi Muruks

Lote Kuman – Hela Wigmen

Jeremiah Ben – Port Moresby Vipers

For Albert, the opportunity to lead the Prime Minister’s XIII Men comes with the responsibility of bringing the group together and preparing them to represent PNG against Australia.

“Congratulations to all the players selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s squad. To earn a place in this team is a great achievement, and I want the players to take confidence from the opportunity while understanding the responsibility that comes with representing PNG.”

“We have a strong group of players with a good mix of experience and emerging talent, and I’m looking forward to seeing them come together and give their very best against Australia.

“I also want to thank PNGRFL for the opportunity to lead this team and for continuing to provide a platform for our players to test themselves at this level.”

PRIME MINISTER’S XIII WOMEN

The Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s side brings together leading players from the Santos Cup and those currently playing overseas, providing an opportunity for established representative players and emerging talent to test themselves against Australia.

The side will be led by Cathy Neap, who brings a wealth of coaching experience after guiding the Gas Resources Central Dabaris to back-to-back Santos Cup premierships in 2025 and 2026.

Neap has coached the Dabaris since the Santos Cup was introduced in 2024 and will now take on the opportunity to lead the Prime Minister’s XIII Women against Australia.

20-Player Squad

Alice Alois – Port Moresby Vipers

Anika Butler – Maitland Pickers

Belinda Gwasamun – Mt Hagen Eagles

Cynthia Peters – ENB Gurias

Doreen William – Lae Tigers

Gemma Schnaubelt – Western Clydesdales

Gian Kaupa – Lae Tigers

Jafinda Sap – Central Dabaris

Ivania Wong – ACT Brumbies

Jacinta Gerry – Mt Hagen Eagles

Jenny David – Brisbane Tigers

Josephine Howard – Central Dabaris

Joyce Hobert – Port Moresby Vipers

Lila Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers

Mala Mark – Central Dabaris

Ruth Gende – Port Moresby Vipers

Sareka Mooka – Northern Pride

Ua Ravu – South Sydney

Sherinda Philip – Central Dabaris

Mya Muller – Penrith Panthers

Neap said the opportunity to represent PNG in front of a home crowd would be an important moment for the players and called on them to embrace the occasion and play for one another.

Cathy Neap said: “I would like to congratulate every player selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s squad. Each of these players has worked hard to reach this level, and now they have a wonderful opportunity to represent Papua New Guinea in front of their home supporters.

“I want the girls to believe in themselves, play for one another and show the commitment and determination they have demonstrated throughout their careers.

“We are grateful to PNGRFL for giving us this opportunity and for continuing to invest in the growth of women’s rugby league in PNG.”