Rugby league is once again celebrating the deep friendship between Australia and Papua New Guinea, with the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII teams arriving in Port Moresby ahead of their annual fixtures on Saturday, 3 October.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ewen McDonald AM, yesterday welcomed the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII men’s and women’s teams, along with the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls teams, to the capital.
High Commissioner McDonald said rugby league remains one of the strongest connections between the two nations.
“Rugby league is one of the strongest connections between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Every year, the Prime Minister’s XIII fixture is a celebration of the deep friendship between our two countries and a reflection of the shared passion for rugby league that connects our communities,” McDonald said.
He said the players have an important role as ambassadors for their countries, helping build lasting connections through community engagement throughout the week.
NRL’s Head of Performance, Pathways & Strategy, Mr Brock Schaefer, said the fixture showcases the broader impact of rugby league across the region.
“Few sporting events capture the spirit of rugby league quite like the Prime Minister’s XIII. From elite athletes to emerging talent, this week showcases the pathways that our game can create, and the positive impact rugby league continues to have across PNG,” Mr Schaefer said.PNG Rugby Football League Chairman Sandis Tsaka said hosting the fixture continues to inspire the next generation.
“For Papua New Guineans, rugby league is more than a sport; it is part of our national identity. Hosting the Prime Minister’s XIII provides inspiration for our communities, for our young players and reinforces the belief that they can progress from local competitions to the highest levels,” Mr Tsaka said.
First played in 2005, the annual fixture has become one of the most significant sporting exchanges between the two countries.The games provide an important platform for player development, particularly through the Schoolboys and Schoolgirls matches featuring PNG’s Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids.
Today, (Friday 2nd October) players will take part in community activities delivered through the Australian Government-supported League Bilong Laif program, promoting respect, inclusion and positive social outcomes.The fixtures also highlight pathways for players as excitement builds towards the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural season in 2028.
