Australia Dominate PNG in Annual PM’s XIII Fixture

Australia delivered a comprehensive performance to secure a 28-10 victory over PNG in the 20th edition of the annual Prime Minister’s XIII match on Sunday, 12th October, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

Since the inception of the Prime Minister’s XIII clash in 2005, PNG has never defeated Australia, except for a draw in 2007. The Australians won every match, continuing their dominance against PNG in the annual friendly fixture. 

Australia opened the scoring in the 9th minute through a short-side play, where fullback Jye Gray assisted winger Trai Fuller, who scored an untouched try, but half-back Jayden Campbell failed to convert the goal, leaving the score at 4-0.

PNG responded in the 15th minute through winger Dudley Dotoi, who received a bullet pass from five-eight Finley Glare to dive in the corner. Glare did not nail the conversion, locking the score at 4 points apiece. 

The Aussies hit back through back-rower Tallis Duncan, who ran through a gaping hole to score, followed by Jye Gray and Bradman Best's tries. Though Australia scored 4 tries, Jayden Campbell missed 4 conversions, taking a 16-4 lead at half-time. 

A light shower in the second half did not help Australia’s cause as they struggled to maintain their rhythm. However, Bradman Best chased a grubber kick by Campbell in the 58th minute to ground the ball, increasing the lead to 20-4. 

Substitute player Mitchell Moses made a line break in the 60th minute and assisted support player Tyran Wishart for their 5th try, and opening try scorer Trai Fuller crossed over for his 4th try from Bradman Best’s flick offload. 

PNG had their moments to cut down the deficit, but they did not utilize those opportunities to score points. With five minutes left, the home side registered a consolation try from forward Epel Kapinias, finishing the match with a 28-10 loss. 

Australian coach Kevin Walters heaped praise on his players, saying: “Their attitude was really good and it showed on the field today, particularly their defense, I thought they defended the try line well, which was something that we talked about. It’s nice to get the win.” 

With the upcoming Ashes Tour in the United Kingdom, coach Walters said he had been impressed by the performance of a few players, which he would consider for selection. 

Rookie captain Keoan Koloamantangi was pleased to lead Australia to victory, crediting his teammates and thanking coach Walters for giving him an opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream. 

Koloamatamgi added that it was a lifetime experience, especially seeing the kids cheering the Australians and giving them a warm welcome, saying he would never forget this memorable experience. 

Despite the defeat, PNG coach Jason Demetriou said: “I am really proud of their effort. I thought physically, they were really up for the contest, but we probably lacked a bit of experience in the halves, especially in key moments.”

Coach Demetriou described the atmosphere as electric, with the fans shouting and screaming at the top of their lungs from kickoff until the full-time siren, which was the highlight of the match, ending the day on a high note. 

The coach praised the efforts of debutants Gairo Voro, Finley Glare, and Cooper Bai, who were solid in defeat, stressing that some of these players would be selected for the Pacific Championships. 

In addition, the Australian Jillaroos proved too strong against the PNG Orchids, thrashing them with a 50-0 win, while the Australian School Boys & Girls secured hard-fought victories over the spirited Junior Kumuls & Junior Orchids.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Championships kicks off this weekend (18th October) in Port Moresby, with the Cook Islands taking on Fiji. PNG will host the Cook Islands next weekend (25th October) and face Fiji on 1st November to wrap up the series.