PNG and Australia Announce Squads for 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League Showdown in Port Moresby
The stage is set for a blockbuster rugby league weekend as Papua New Guinea and Australia have both announced their men’s and women’s squads for the 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII clashes, scheduled for Sunday, October 12, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) confirmed its teams today, with the men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII sides, along with the Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids, assembling in camp ahead of the much-anticipated event. This year’s fixture carries special significance, marking the 20th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s XIII concept, first played in 2005, and coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary.
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the 2025 edition represents two decades of sporting and diplomatic ties between PNG and Australia.
“The Prime Minister’s XIII kicks off the representative rugby league season before the Pacific Championships. It also highlights the strong partnership in developing players across both nations,” Tsaka said.
He added that the selected PNG squads showcase the country’s investment in rugby league pathways through programs such as the PNG NRL Bid Academy, PNGNRLC National Youth Competition, and the Santos Cup.
“Our players’ progress from grassroots to professional levels demonstrates the growth of the sport in the country,” he added.
From Australia, head coach Kevin Walters has named a talented and dynamic men’s side combining experience with youthful flair.
“The squad has a really strong mix of experienced representative players and some of the best young talent we saw in the NRL this season,” Walters said.
“There’s a lot of strike across the park with players like Ethan Strange, Jye Gray, Bradman Best, and Jason Saab, and real power up front led by Keaon Koloamatangi, who will captain the side. I’m excited to get to work with the team this week and put on a great display in Port Moresby on Sunday.”
In the Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII, Jillaroos representative Quincy Dodd will co-captain the side with Sophie Holyman, under the guidance of coach Jess Skinner.
Four matches will headline the day’s program:
- 9:00am: Junior Orchids vs. Australian School Girls
- 11:00am: Junior Kumuls vs. Australian School Boys
- 1:00pm: Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII
- 3:05pm: Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII
Tickets are now available at Post PNG outlets nationwide — K30 (Eastern Stand), K50 (North/South Stands), K80 (Western Wings), and K120 (Grandstand).
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s Squad
- Nene Macdonald
- Robert Derby
- Robert Mathias
- Alex Max
- Dudley Dotoi
- Finley Glare
- Kyle Laybutt
- Epel Kapianis
- Liam Horne
- Sylvester Namo
- Jacob Alick-Wienke
- Nixon Putt
- Jack Debelin
- Judah Rimbu
- Cooper Bai
- Ila Alu
- Valentine Richard
- Jacob Taulani
- Morea Morea
- Gairo Varo
Head Coach: Jason Demetriou
PM’s XIII Women’s Squad
- Fleur Ginn
- Skaylyn Sil
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
- Ruth Gende
- Naomi Kelly
- India Seeto
- Caitlin Tanner
- Elise Albert
- Therese Aiton
- Jessikah Reeves
- Sareka Mooka
- Essay Banu
- Josephine Howard
- Delaliah Ahose
- Gloria Kaupa
- Emmogen Taumafai
- Leila Kerowa
- Marie Biyama
- Emily Vievers
- Mala Mark
- Belinda Gwasamun
- Head Coach: Tahnee Norris
🇦🇺 Australia Prime Minister’s XIII Men’s Squad
- Jye Gray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Jason Saab (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
- Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)
- Nick Meaney (Melbourne Storm)
- Trai Fuller (Dolphins)
- Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
- Jayden Campbell (Gold Coast Titans)
- Corey Horsburgh (Canberra Raiders)
- Tom Starling (Canberra Raiders)
- Keaon Koloamatangi (c) (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Tallis Duncan (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Josh Curran (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
- Matt Eisenhuth (Penrith Panthers)
- Jack Williams (Parramatta Eels)
- Harrison Edwards (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Tyran Wishart (Melbourne Storm)
- Brad Schneider (Penrith Panthers)
- Liam Henry (Penrith Panthers)
- Kyle Flanagan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Fletcher Hunt (Newcastle Knights)
🇦🇺 Australia Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s Squad
- Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
- Andie Robinson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
- Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans)
- Jasmine Peters (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Phoenix-Raine Hippi (Gold Coast Titans)
- Kasey Reh (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Kirra Dibb (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Lillian Yarrow (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Quincy Dodd (c) (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
- Sophie Holyman (c) (Canberra Raiders)
- Chloe Jackson (Parramatta Eels)
- Shaylee Bent (Gold Coast Titans)
- Bree Chester (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Georgia Hannaway (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
- Kayla Romaniuk (Newcastle Knights)
- Makenzie Weale (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Madison Mulhall (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Shenai Lendill (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Caitlin Turnbull (Wests Tigers)
- Tori Shipton (St George Illawarra Dragons)
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