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.”