PNG, Australia Lock Horns for PM’s XIII Clash

Excitement is building up in the nation’s capital as Papua New Guinea and Australia prepare to face off in the annual Prime Minister’s XIII match, kicking off the friendly fixture’s 20th edition on Sunday, 12th October, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

The Prime Minister’s XIII began in 2005, aiming to promote rugby league in Australia and Papua New Guinea, as well as advocating on humanitarian causes, with the full backing of both the Australian and PNG Governments. 

During the media conference held yesterday (10th October) at the Stanley Hotel, Australia’s coach Kevin Walters spoke highly of PNG fans' passion for the sport and reflected on his journey with the Kangaroos in the 1990s.

“It’s been a wonderful welcome for us. Everyone’s fit and healthy, enjoying the hospitality that the beautiful people of PNG provide for us,” Walters said.

“It’s very exciting. The number one sport in PNG is rugby league. The energy levels were very high, which we expected. It’s a very unique experience for our players. 

“You can go all around the world and play at different stadiums, but if you have not played in PNG and experienced the atmosphere of Port Moresby, you are not even living.

“For myself, going back to 1991, it was a great experience. From that moment forward, we have been here a couple of times and I just continue to be amazed by the passion the PNG people have for the great game of rugby league.”

South Sydney Rabbitohs’ back-rower and Australia’s PM’s XIII rookie captain, Keaon Koloamantangi, expressed similar sentiments shared by coach Walters.

“I am very grateful to lead Australia. This is my first time being the captain of any team, so I’m honored. All of us have not been here before, so it was a great experience coming off the plane and seeing the kids cheering us,” he expressed.

“We will make sure we take in all the moments and enjoy the atmosphere, and we look forward to delivering a good performance for the crowd.”

PNG PM’s XIII coach, Jason Demetriou said: “I joined the camp on Monday (6th October) with so much energy as they always do. We came together and quickly built connections with the players. 

“These players have been together for the last 12 months, including myself, so I’m familiar with what we are trying to do and work towards. We will fine-tune a few things and look forward to the challenge.

“It’s not often we get an opportunity to play against a tier one country, so having Australia here certainly allows us to get a taste of that.”

Rookie PNG PM’s XIII skipper and experienced campaigner, Nene McDonald, mentioned that he was humbled and excited to lead his country for the first time.

“This will be my first time captaining PNG. I’m very grateful and excited to lead my country and represent my family. It’s exciting to play against a tier one team like Australia, so it’s good to play against the best,” McDonald said.

Both PNG and Australia are pumped and look forward to delivering an entertaining and physical match on Sunday in front of a passionate and boisterous Port Moresby crowd.