PNG Set to Host Annual Prime Minister's XIII Fixture

The annual Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league clash between Papua New Guinea and Australia is on again this year, coinciding with our 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The matches are scheduled for Sunday, 12th October, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The day will kick off at 9am with the Junior Orchids to take on the Australian School Girls, then the Junior Kumuls play the Australian School Boys at 11am.

The PM’s XIII women then take the field at 1pm, with the highly-anticipated PM’s XIII men’s clash at 3pm to round out what is always an exciting day for players and spectators alike.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, said this annual clash is a great opportunity for players from both countries to impress their coaches for further national duties.

“These games always provide a pathway for players from both countries, and the opportunity this provides for our juniors and the school children from Australia is quite significant, as many of them can get selected to the senior sides, to feeder clubs, and possibly the NRL and NRLW,” Hondina said. 

Tickets are currently on sale at any of the participating Post PNG outlets with the following prices:

Eastern Stand K30, Northern/Southern Stands K50, Western Wings K80, and Grandstand K120.

All teams will be named next week in preparation for what will be another enthralling day for the fans in Port Moresby.

The Prime Minister’s XIII annual fixture started in 2005 with the men’s concept, while the women’s game was introduced in 2017, followed by the juniors in 2023.

This annual event is used to promote rugby league, as well as humanitarian causes, by both the Governments of PNG and Australia.