Prime Minister’s XIII Annual Fixture returns

The dates for the annual Prime Minister’s XIII friendly fixture between the Australian Kangaroos and the PNG LNG Kumuls have been announced by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Board on the 12th of September.

Furthermore, the final squad to participate in the upcoming PM’s XIII matches will be announced on the 13th of September by the newly appointed Kumuls’ coach, Justin Holbrook. The two-day tourney will kick off on September 23rd and end on the 24th.

The PM’s XIII concept was established in 2005. PM’s XIII is used to promote rugby league and humanitarian causes, among other pertinent issues. Besides rugby league, it is a good concept for a worthy cause in promoting and addressing some of the problems that are affecting the lives of the people, especially in PNG.

The friendly fixture between Australia and PNG has run smoothly over the years. However, the annual clash abruptly stopped in 2018 due to financial constraints, among other reasons. After a five-year hiatus, the PM’s XIII games between the two neighboring countries will resume in a week’s time.

The two-day friendly fixture will have six teams participating for the first time. It will be an historic match. A bumper crowd is expected to fill up the Santos National Football Stadium.

The PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina stressed the importance of the game and said he is excited and looked forward to the much-anticipated PM’s XIII match.

“We are thrilled to have the PM’s XIII matches back in PNG after a five-year hiatus. For the first time in the history of PM’s XIII matches, there will be 12 teams playing 6 games over two days, something that’s never been done before and we look forward to welcoming all our fans over the two days,” CEO Hondina said.

Mr. Hondina also added that the PM’s XIII fixture would be a litmus test for the players, leading up to the Pacific Championship tournament from October to November this year.

“This will be an important match for us in the lead-up to the Test Series and I am eager to see what all these players are able to achieve on this stage.”