The newly appointed PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook is confident that the PNG Prime Minister's XIII team will put on a strong performance when they take on the star-studded Australian PM's XIII outfit at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon (September 23rd) at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, National Capital District.
Holbrook joined the PNG team a few weeks ago to mentor and steer them against Australia in the 2023 Prime Minister’s XIII fixture and the upcoming Pacific Championship next month.
Although most of the PNG squad is made up of second and third-tier players, Holbrook is adamant that they could give Australia a run for their money, if they stick to the game plan.
“We know how good Australia is, but it is a great opportunity for the boys to push their claim for the PM’s XIII match, including the upcoming Pacific Test,” said Holbrook.
PNG had a short preparation for the much-anticipated match, but the boys have bonded well, creating a combination and team spirit for the PM’s XIII clash in the last few days.
“The combination has worked out well, even though the boys had a short turn-around in their training sessions. We can't worry about that, but we must put our best foot forward and get ready for the game,” Holbrook said.
In the curtain-raiser match, the Australian Defence Force will play the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Following this friendly game, the PNG Orchids will meet the Australian Jillaroos in the Women’s PM’s XIII match.
To wrap up the day, the PNG PM's XIII side will go head-to-head with the Australian PM's XIII outfit, which promises to light up the spiritual home of rugby league in PNG, getting the fans on the edge of their seats. It should be a thriller.
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