PNG Prime Minister's XIII

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister's XIII
Team information
Governing bodyPNGRFL
Head coachJason Demetriou
CaptainNene Macdonald
Most capsRodney Pora (8)
Top try-scorerNickson Kolo
Jessie Joe Nandye
Menzie Yere (3)
Top point-scorerGlen Nami (16)
Uniforms
First colours
Team results
First international
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 0–34 Australia Australian PM's XIII
(Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; 18 September 2005)
Biggest defeat
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 0–58 Australia Australian PM's XIII
(National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; 24 September 2016)

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister's XIII, or sometimes informally referred to as the PNG PM's XIII, is the name of a representative rugby league team, comprising Papua New Guinean players from the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League, PNG Hunters and other overseas clubs. The team is selected to play an annual fixture against Australian Prime Minister's XIII in Papua New Guinea in the final weeks of the rugby league season.

History

The PNG Prime Minister's XIII first played against their Australian counterparts in 2005 at Lloyd Robson Oval in the Papua New Guinean capital, Port Moresby. The team was coached in that match by former national team head coach Bob Bennett. The side has also been coached by former Papua New Guinean internationals Adrian Lam and Stanley Gene and is currently coached by Michael Marum, who played for the team in 2005.

Originally played in Port Moresby, in recent years the games have been held in various locations around Papua New Guinea, including Lae and Kokopo. Unlike regular international matches, each team is allowed a five-man bench and given unlimited interchanges throughout the match.

Originally, the team was made up of players predominantly from the local Papua New Guinea National Rugby League competition. In recent years, players from the National Rugby League, Intrust Super Cup and English Championship have also been selected.

The match is also used to promote rugby league, as well as humanitarian causes such as HIV and AIDS awareness,[1] among the Papua New Guinean community.

The PNG PM's XIII has never won a match against Australia since the annual fixture commenced, but managed a 24–24 draw in 2007, after trailing 20–0 at half time. In 2019, the PNG PM's XIII did not play the Australian side, who instead faced the Fiji Prime Minister's XIII.

Current squad

Men

The team for the match on 12 October 2025 was initially announced on social media on 6 October 2025.[2] The NRL later posted the team.[3] Nene McDonald was appointed captain.[4] Tallies in the table include the 2025 match.

J# Player Age Position(s) PM's XIII Tests Club Club Matches Other Reps
M T G F P Dbt M T G F P CC NRL SL/CC NQC
1Nene Macdonald31Fullback, Centre41004201320140056 Red Devils7987521 2
2Robert Derby23Wing200002022760024 Cowboys1818042
3Robert Mathias24Centre21004202430000 Hunters310031
4Alex Max25Centre21004—00000 Hunters380038
5Dudley Dotoi22Wing21004—00000 Blackhawks360036
6Finley Glare22Five-eighth, Halfback21004—00000 Hunters360036
7Gairo Voro22Five-eighth10000—00000 Hunters200020
8Epel Kapinias27Prop320082022430012 Hunters640074
9Liam Horne27Hooker20000202260000 Tigers1804851
10Sylvester Namo25Prop, Second-row300002022730012 Tigers902048
11Jacob Alick25Second-row, Prop100002022100000 Seagulls2219081 1
12Nixon Putt30Second-row4000020171340016 Capras75013142
13Jack de Belin34Lock, Prop10000202360000 Dragons25325201 3 2
14Judah Rimbu24Hooker41004202361004 Hunters780978
15Cooper Bai18Lock10000—00 Titans1107
16Ila Alu30Lock30000202430000 Hunters10600106
17Valentine Richard28Prop20000202361004 Capras150049
18Jacob Taulani21Second-row10000—00000 Knights4004
19Morea Morea24Fullback30102—11004 Capras00032
20Sanny Wabo26Fullback10000—00000 Hunters480048

Notes:

Women

The team for the match on 12 October 2025 was announced on social media on 6 October 2025.[5] The NRL later posted the team.[3] Tallies in the table include the 2025 match.

J# Player Age Position(s) PM's XIII Tests Club Club Matches Other Reps
M T G F P Dbt M T G F P CC NRL SL/CC NQC
1Fleur Ginn19Fullback, Centre10000—00000 Eels111100—
2Skaylyn Sil19Wing10000—00000
Goroka Lahanis
000—
3Relna Wuruki-Hosea20Centre, Wing10000—00000 Raiders6607 —
18Marie Biyama27Centre10000—00000 Clydesdales0007—
5Naomi Kelly25Wing10000—00000 Central Dabaris000—
6India Seeto19Five-eighth10000—00000 Tigers00015—
7Caitlin Tanner19Halfback10000—00000 Cowboys00012—
8Elsie Albert29Prop2000020191030012 Eels2035015 3
9Therese Aiton36Hooker30000201961004 Clydesdales02035 2 1
16Emmogen Taumafai22Prop10000—00000 Falcons00019—
11Sareka Mooka25Second-row, Lock10000202340000 Cowboys1212037 1 1
17Leila Kerowa—Second-row, Centre30000202341004 Central Dabaris0005 —
10Jessikah Reeves24Lock, Second-row40000202281004 Tigers38034 1
14Delailah Ahose32Halfback, Hooker20000201750000
Goroka Lahanis
0007 1
15Gloria Kaupa25Lock, Prop400002017120000 Tigers00016 1
4Ruth Gende20Centre10000—00000 Port Moresby Vipers000—
12Essay Banu23Prop, Second-row40000202282008 Cowboys2020023 1 2
13Josephine Howard22Lock10000—00000 Port Moresby Vipers000—
19Emily Veivers24Hooker, Second-row400002022706012 Warriors00021 1
20Mala Mark28Wing, Fullback40000201730000 Central Dabaris0006 —
21Belinda Gwasamun28Centre300002022850020 Mt Hagen Eagles00015 1

Notes:

  • Player profiles were published on the NRL website on the morning of the match.[6]

Results

2005

18 September 2005
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 0 – 34 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Report
Tries
2 Ryan Cross
1 Braith Anasta
1 Brett Finch
1 Kurt Gidley
1 Luke Priddis
Goals
1 Clinton Schifcofske
1 Kurt Gidley
1 Luke Ricketson
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 9,000
Referee: Shayne Hayne Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2005 squad Coaching staff
  • 14 Jessie Alunga – SR
  • 15 Channel Aquila – SR
  • 16 Aaron Mulunga – SR
  • 17 Simon Tonge – SR
  • 17 Michael Marum – HK

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2006

30 September 2006
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 8 – 28 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Tom O'Reilly 2
Report
Tries
2 Jarryd Hayne
1 Nathan Merritt
1 Steve Price
1 Brett Stewart
1 Trent Waterhouse
Goals
2 Matt Orford
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2006 squad Coaching staff
  • 14 Porian Bal – SR
  • 15 Channel Aquila – SR
  • 16 Wesley Benny – SR
  • 17 Alphonse Kapil – SR

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2007

23 September 2007
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 24 – 24 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Nigel Hukula 1
Jessie Joe Nandye 1
Keith Peters 1
Menzie Yere 1
Goals
Gimapau Keimelo 4
Report
Tries
2 Chris Lawrence
2 Joel Monaghan
1 Luke Douglas
Goals
2 Kurt Gidley
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 16,000
Referee: Gavin Badger Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2007 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2008

28 September 2008
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 30 – 54 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Stanley Gene 2
Menzie Yere 2
Nickson Kolo 1
Junior Ropra 1
Goals
Tu'u Maori 3
Report
Tries
2 Jarryd Hayne
2 Chris Lawrence
1 Robbie Farah
1 Nathan Hindmarsh
1 Michael Jennings
1 Josh Morris
1 Joe Picker
1 Carl Webb
Goals
6 Scott Prince
1 Terry Campese
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Bernard Sutton Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2008 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2009

27 September 2009
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 18 – 42 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Tommy Butterfield 1
Seigfried Gande 1
Jessie Joe Nandye 1
Goals
Glen Nami 3/3
Report
Tries
3 Michael Jennings
1 George Rose
1 Matthew Scott
1 David Shillington
1 Glenn Stewart
Goals
7/7 Johnathan Thurston
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Brett Suttor Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2009 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2010

26 September 2010
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 18 – 30 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Nickson Kolo 2
Glen Nami 1
Goals
Ryan Tongia 3
Report
Tries
1 Luke Douglas
1 Chris Sandow
1 Ben Smith
1 Kade Snowden
1 Willie Tonga
1 Akuila Uate
Goals
2 Corey Parker
1 James Maloney
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 10,856
Referee: Tony De Las Heras Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2010 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2011

25 September 2011
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 22 – 36 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Josiah Abavu 1
Dion Aiye 1
Jessie Joe Nandye 1
Ray Thompson 1
Goals
Glen Nami 3
Report
Tries
2 Blake Ferguson
2 Josh Morris
1 Luke Burt
1 Nathan Merritt
Goals
3 Luke Burt
1 Matthew Bowen
1 Michael Crocker
1 Nathan Hindmarsh
Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Lae
Attendance: 16,528
Referee: Adam Devcich Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2011 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2012

23 September 2012
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 18 – 24 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Richard Kambo 1
David Loko 1
Albert Patak 1
Matthew Puke 1
Goals
Israel Eliab 1/4
Report
Tries
1 Michael Jennings
1 Feleti Mateo
1 Beau Ryan
1 Akuila Uate
Goals
4/4 Scott Prince
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 16,000
Referee: Phil Haines Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2012 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2013

29 September 2013
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 10 – 50 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Josiah Abavu 1
Israel Eliab 1
Goals
Sebastian Pandia 1
Report
Tries
2 Jarryd Hayne
1 Kevin Gordon
1 Brett Morris
1 Josh Papalii
1 Aidan Sezer
1 David Shillington
1 James Tamou
1 Brent Tate
Goals
6 Aidan Sezer
1 Corey Parker
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Gavin Morris Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2013 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2014

12 October 2014
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 16 – 34 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Thompson Teteh 2
Israel Eliab 1
Goals
Noel Zeming 2
Report
Tries
2 Aaron Woods
1 Will Chambers
1 Josh Mansour
1 Anthony Milford
1 Beau Scott
Goals
3 Ben Hunt
2 Matt Moylan
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Grant Atkins Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2014 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2015

26 September 2015
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 12 – 40 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries
Watson Boas 1
Justin Olam 1
Goals
Alfred Missian 2
Report
Tries
2 David Nofoaluma
1 Euan Aitken
1 Jarrod Croker
1 Alex Johnston
1 Jeremy Latimore
1 Chris McQueen
1 Jack Wighton
Goals
2 Jarrod Croker
2 Adam Reynolds
Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 18,113
Referee: Gavin Reynolds Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2015 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2016

24 September 2016
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 0 – 58 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Report
Tries:
3 Mitchell Moses
2 Josh Dugan
2 Blake Ferguson
2 Greg Inglis
1 Moses Mbye
1 Semi Radradra
Goals:
4 Matt Moylan
3 Mitchell Moses
National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 15,011
Referee: David Munro Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2016 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2017

23 September 2017
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 8 – 48 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries:
Stanford Talita 1
Goals:
Jason Missian 2/2
Report
Tries:
3 Tom Trbojevic
3 James Tedesco
1 Tyson Frizell
1 James Maloney
Goals:
6/6 James Maloney
1/1 Andrew Fifita
1/1 Valentine Holmes
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2017 squad Coaching staff
  • 14 Sailas Gahuna – SR
  • 15 William Mone – SR
  • 17 Muka Peter Kulu – SR
  • 18 Joshua Nane – SR

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2018

6 October 2018
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea 18 – 34 Australian PM's XIII
Tries:
Kyle Laybutt 1
Rhyse Martin 1
Justin Olam 1
Goals:
Rhyse Martin 3/3
1st: 6 – 24
2nd: 12 – 10
Report
Tries:
2 Daly Cherry-Evans
1 Corey Allan
1 Nick Cotric
1 Chad Townsend
1 Jake Trbojevic
Goals:
5/6 Zac Lomax
National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Attendance: 14,007
Referee: Chris Sutton Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2018 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


2022

25 September 2022
Australia Australia 64 - 14 PNG PM's XIII
Tries:
Matt Burton (22', 64') 2
Selwyn Cobbo (29', 79') 2
Nat Butcher (2') 1
Josh Addo-Carr (9') 1
Angus Crichton (12') 1
Zac Lomax (14') 1
Jake Averillo (33') 1
Sam Walker (69') 1
Dane Laurie (72') 1
Beau Fermor (74') 1
Goals:
Zac Lomax 8/11
(3', 11', 13', 15', 24', 71', 73', 75')
Josh Addo-Carr 0/1
1st: 38 – 4
2nd: 26 – 10
Tries:
Edene Gebbie 1
Jimmy Ngutlik 1
Brandon Nima 1
Goals:
Kyle Laybutt 1/3
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 8,744 [7]
Referee: Todd Smith Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2022 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)

Updated: 20 September 2022
Source(s): https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/09/20/png-name-pms-xiii-squad/

2023

23 September 2023
PNG PM's XIII Papua New Guinea 18 – 30 Australia Australian PM's XIII
Tries:
Nene Macdonald 4
Cruise Ten 46
Epel Kapinias 70
Goals:
Zac Laybutt 3/3
1st: 6–12
2nd: 18–30
Tries:
Murray Taulagi 15
Hudson Young 33
Alofiana Khan-Pereira 58
Cameron McInnes 61
Tyrell Sloan 79
Goals:
Zac Lomax 5/5
Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Referee: Peter Gough Australia
PNG Prime Minister's XIII
2023 squad Coaching staff

Head coach



Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)


Players

Captains

Coaches

Records

Individual


See also

References

  1. ↑ "League players spread HIV message in PNG". The Sydney Morning Herald, AAP. 22 September 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Papua New Guinea - PM's XIII men - Squad announcement". facebook. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League. 6 October 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Prime Minister's XIII PNG squads announced". NRL. PNGRFL. 7 October 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
  4. 1 2 Walter, Brad; Middleton, David (12 October 2025). "PNG rising: Demetriou welcomes tough selection calls". NRL. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  5. ↑ "Papua New Guinea - PM's XIII women - Squad announcement". facebook. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League. 6 October 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
  6. ↑ Walter, Brad; Middleton, David (12 October 2025). "There's a big future: Teen stars on show for PNG women". NRL. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  7. ↑ https://www.austadiums.com/sport/event/27288