PNG Rugby League Names Men’s and Women’s Sides for 2026 Prime Minister’s XIII
PORT MORESBY, PNG — Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has announced its men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII teams for the upcoming encounters against Australia at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The two PNG teams bring together players from the country’s leading domestic competitions, the SP PNG Hunters and overseas clubs, with the selections providing another opportunity for local talent to compete on the international stage.
PNGRFL chief executive officer Stanley Hondina said the annual fixture remained an important event for both countries and highlighted the close relationship between PNG and Australia.
“The Prime Minister’s XIII is an important annual fixture for Papua New Guinea, and we are pleased to once again welcome Australia to Port Moresby,” Hondina said.
He said the match represented more than a rugby league contest, pointing to the longstanding links between the two countries and their people.
“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,” he said.
Hondina also congratulated the selected players, coaches and support staff ahead of the October fixture.
Men’s team
Former PNG international Wellington Albert has been appointed to coach the Prime Minister’s XIII men’s side, taking charge of the team for the first time.
Albert is currently in his first season as head coach of the Port Moresby Vipers in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.
The 20-man squad includes players from the SP PNG Hunters, Digicel ExxonMobil Cup clubs and overseas teams.
Prime Minister’s XIII Men:
- Sanny Wabo – SP 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
Albert said selection represented an achievement for the players but also carried the responsibility of representing PNG.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Albert said.
“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,” he added.
Women’s team
The PNG Prime Minister’s XIII women’s team includes players from the Santos Cup and overseas competitions.
Cathy Neap will coach the women’s side after guiding the Gas Resources Central Dabaris to consecutive Santos Cup premierships in 2025 and 2026.
Neap has been involved with the Dabaris since the Santos Cup began in 2024 and will now take charge of the PNG women against Australia.
Prime Minister’s XIII Women:
- 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
Post a Comment