PNG Announces Squads for 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League Clash against Australia

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has released the men’s and women’s squads for this year’s Prime Minister’s XIII matches against Australia, set to take place on Sunday, October 12, in Port Moresby. The teams, including the Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids, have assembled in camp ahead of the highly anticipated encounter.

This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s XIII concept, first introduced in 2005, and comes just weeks after PNG celebrated its 50th Independence anniversary.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the 2025 PM’s XIII signifies two decades of sporting and diplomatic ties between Papua New Guinea and Australia. “The Prime Minister’s XIII kicks off the representative rugby league season before the Pacific Championships. It also highlights the strong partnership in developing players across both nations,” Tsaka said.

He added that the selected squads reflect PNG’s continued investment in player pathways through the PNG NRL Bid Academy, the PNGNRLC National Youth Competition, and the Santos Cup. “Our players’ progress from grassroots to the professional leagues demonstrates the growth of the sport in the country,” he said.

Four matches are scheduled for the day: the Junior Orchids vs. Australian School Girls at 9:00am, Junior Kumuls vs. Australian School Boys at 11:00am, followed by the Women’s PM’s XIII at 1:00pm, and the Men’s PM’s XIII at 3:05pm.

Tickets are available through Post PNG outlets nationwide at K30 (Eastern Stand), K50 (North/South Stands), K80 (Western Wings), and K120 (Grandstand).

The annual PM’s XIII began in 2005 with the men’s match, later expanding to include the women’s and junior fixtures. It continues to serve as both a development platform for players and a symbol of friendship between PNG and Australia.

PM’s XIII Men’s Squad

1. Nene Macdonald
2. Robert Derby
3. Robert Mathias
4. Alex Max
5. Dudley Dotoi
6. Finley Glare
7. Kyle Laybutt
8. Epel Kapianis
9. Liam Horne
10. Sylvester Namo
11. Jacob Alick-Wienke
12. Nixon Putt
13. Jack Debelin
14. Judah Rimbu
15. Cooper Bai
16. Ila Alu
17. Valentine Richard
18. Jacob Taulani
19. Morea Morea
20. Gairo Varo

Head Coach: Jason Demetriou

PM’s XIII Women’s Squad

1. Fleur Ginn
2. Skaylyn Sil
3. Relna Wuruki-Hosea
4. Ruth Gende
5. Naomi Kelly
6. India Seeto
7. Caitlin Tanner
8. Elise Albert
9. Therese Aiton
10. Jessikah Reeves
11. Sareka Mooka
12. Essay Banu
13. Josephine Howard
14. Delaliah Ahose
15. Gloria Kaupa
16. Emmogen Taumafai
17. Leila Kerowa
18. Marie Biyama
19. Emily Vievers
20. Mala Mark
21. Belinda Gwasamun
22. Head Coach: Tahnee Norris

Junior Kumuls Squad

1. Hercules Kondo
2. Araga Eresi
3. Nathaniel Apa
4. Kevin Yako
5. Manase Watt
6. Ellyjah Birve
7. Felix Beki
8. Jabiri Mack
9. Jeffery Philip
10. Vane Manuma
11. Geordan Amaiu
12. Joseph Kora (Capt.)
13. David Issac
14. Ishmael Vaieke
15. Otto Thomas
16. Taufa Taulani
17. Ames John
18. Ryan Martin

Head Coach: Joseph Grima

Junior Orchids Squad

1. Janique Mili
2. Jarishma Fonataba
3. Christolite Diunde
4. Ukere Sabumei
5. Irene Luana
6. Tia Molo
7. Joyce Horbert
8. Chloe Thompson
9. Josephine Wesu
10. Williamina Hauna
11. Mya Muller
12. Brenda Koi
13. Alice Joe
14. Brigit Movoa
15. Elisabeth Loriri
16. Meriso Jomino
17. Rayleen Karry
18. Rhonda Joseph
19. Christine Raiam

Head Coach: Godfrey Luke

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PNG Announces Squads for 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League Clash against Australia