PRIME MINISTER’S XIII WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SQUAD ANNOUNCED

INCOMING PNG representative coaches Tahnee Norris and Jason Demetriou have named their representative sides in their new roles, selecting their squads for the upcoming Prime Minister’s XIII match ups against the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII selections.

Both the Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s and Men’s squads will assemble in Port Moresby for a week in the lead-up to the international games taking place at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, on Sunday, October 13.

Norris said the PMs game against a strong Australian side would be a fantastic opportunity for the PNG players to test themselves against some of the best players in the NRLW as they prepare for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

“I’m excited to see the talent we have assembled in this squad come together and play some of the football we have seen them produce during their seasons,” Norris said.

“We have some NRLW experience in the squad who will bring a lot of knowledge to the side and we have also selected players who were stand-outs in a very competitive Santos Cup competition.

“I am looking forward to seeing the players come together and work hard through the week. This is an important game in itself, but it will also help set us up for the exciting challenge ahead during the Pacific Championships tournament.”

Two players who are unfortunately unavailable for selection due to injury are Orchid #54 Shellie Long and Marie Biyama, who starred for Central Dabaris.

Demetriou was recently in PNG to watch the finals of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and has included players from the domestic competition in his first squad.

However, the line-up is dominated by members of the PNG Hunters side who made it to the preliminary finals stage of the Hostplus Cup this year, with Petero Civoniceva Medal winner Judah Rimbu selected at hooker.

Another exciting addition is the return to the representative stage of Morea Morea, who was injured in his opportunity when playing his Prime Minister’s match in Port Moresby last year.

Speaking after his appointment to the role, Demetriou said he thought the future looked bright for the men’s representative side.

“It is not until you get the list of players available that you realise how strong the side can be so I am really looking forward to pulling that together,” Demetriou said.

“The big thing for me is putting in a program and a plan that is authentic and suits the way the Kumuls like to play and that for me as a coach is the most exciting challenge.”

Tickets will go on sale today Monday 7th October at 10am, and can be purchased from the following outlets including JMart, the National Football Stadium ticketing booth and Online at tiketmastas.com The prices are the same as last year with Grandstand K120, Western Wings K80, Eastern Stand K50 and the North/South Stand K30.

Game times are as follows; 9am: PNG Junior Orchids Vs Australian School Girls 11am: PNG Junior Kumuls Vs Australian School Boys 1pm: PM’s XIII Women – PNG Vs Australia 3pm: PM’s XIII Men – PNG Vs Australia All games will be televised on TV Wan, with the Mens game to be shown in Australia on Channel 9. Fans are encouraged to come and support the team.

PNG PRIME MINISTER’S SQUADS PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Women squad (first name alphabetical order)

Belinda Gwasamun – Wentworthville Magpies

Delailah Ahose – Goroka Lahanis

Elsie Albert – Parramatta Eels

Emily Veivers – Norths Devils

Essay Banu – Norths Queensland Cowboys

Freda Anthony – Central Dabaris

Freda Waula – Mt Hagen Eagles

Gloria Kaupa – Wentworthville Magpies

Jenny Wesley – Goroka Lahanis

Jessikah Reeves – Western Clydesdales

Latoniya Norris-Addo – Darwin Brothers

Leila Kerowa – Central Dabaris

Lilah Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers

Lyiannah Allen – Mt Hagen Eagles

Mala Mark – Central Dabaris

Meli Joe – Mt Hagen Eagles

Roswita Kapo – Wentworthville Magpies

Sareka Mooka – North Queensland Cowboys

Sera Koroi – Goodna

Talitha Kunjil – Mt Hagen Eagles

Ua Ravu – Canberra Raiders

Yolanda Taute – Goroka Lahanis

PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s squad (first name alphabetical order)

Alex Max – SP PNG Hunters

Benji Kot- SP PNG Hunters

Brandon Nima – SP PNG Hunters

Dan Russell – St George Illawarra Dragons

Dudley Dotoi – Townsville Blackhawks

Elijah Roltinga – SP PNG Hunters

Finley Glare – SP PNG Hunters

Ila Alu – SP PNG Hunters

Jamie Mavoko -SP PNG Hunters

Jordan Pat – SP PNG Hunters

Josh Mire – SP PNG Hunters

Judah Rimbu – SP PNG Hunters

Khaiya Waiembi – Central Queensland Capras

Koso Bandi – SP PNG Hunters

Liam Horne – Castleford Tigers

Morea Morea – SP PNG Hunters

Murray Conners – Kroton Hela Wigmen

Robert Mathias – SP PNG Hunters

Sakias Komati – SP PNG Hunters

Sanny Wabo – SP PNG Hunters

Slyvester Namo – Castleford Tigers

Pics: Love Rugby League