Coach Demetriou Happy with PNG PM’s XIII Squad

The Papua New Guinea Kumuls head coach, Jason Demetriou, shows confidence in the 20-man squad that he and the selectors had assembled for the annual Prime Minister’s XIII match against Australia on Sunday, 12th October 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

Speaking to the media today (9th October), coach Jason Demetriou said: “It’s really exciting. The squad we have selected is a good mix of youth and experienced players. It’s a strong side we have fielded, and we are looking forward to Sunday.”

The PNG side comprises a few debutants like Cooper Bai, the son of the former Kumul and Melbourne Storm legend Marcus Bai, who has just made his NRL debut with the Gold Coast Titans last month and will now make his first appearance for the PNG Prime Minister's XIII side, including booming playmaker Gairo Voro, who had an outstanding season with the PNG Hunters this year, as well as budding talent Jacob Taulani from the Newcastle Knights NSW Cup team, and Hunters utility, Finley Glare. 

The rest of the squad is made up of seasoned campaigners led by inspirational leader and the longest serving Kumul Nene McDonald, as well as battle-hardened players like Nixon Putt, Ila Alu, Jack De Belin, Sylvester Namo, and Judah Rimbu, to name a few.

Journeyman Kyle Laybutt was selected to lead the pack in the halves department. However, he could not join the team due to personal reasons, creating an opportunity for debutant Gairo Voro to start alongside another rookie, Finely Glare. 

“Initially, I thought it would be great for Kyle to get a good send-off. He has been a great servant for PNG and the Kumuls for a long time. Unfortunately, he could not get here, but Gairo will start at 6,” Demetriou commented on Laybutt’s omission.

A couple of experienced players like Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, and Lachlan Lam could not join the team because of the English Super League finals, but they will join the squad straight after the PM’s XIII to compete in the Pacific Championships.

Defeating Australia will not only be historic but memorable, with coach Demetriou saying: “We have fielded a strong side because we understand the history. 50 years of independence is a very special year for PNG, so we want to go out there and represent the country and put our best foot forward.” 

Coach Demetriou mentioned that they are building this team not just for the upcoming Pacific Championships but, most importantly, they are preparing the players for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand, and PNG respectively. 

Mr. Demetriou added that the players are fresh and healthy, anticipating meeting the Australian juggernauts at PNG’s spiritual rugby league home ground in the nation’s capital on Sunday, with the atmosphere already buzzing with excitement.