Arabic version: فريقا «رئيس الوزراء الثالث عشر» الأستراليان يكتسحان بابوا غينيا الجديدة

According to ABC News, Australia’s men’s Prime Minister’s XIII beat Papua New Guinea 60-10 in Port Moresby, scoring 11 tries in the 20th men’s fixture. The women’s Prime Minister’s XIII also won decisively, defeating their PNG hosts 66-6 after crossing for 12 tries to one.

The men’s match at National Football Stadium was far from conventional, with Australian players rotating through unfamiliar roles. Ezra Mam spent time at fullback, Jock Madden appeared on an edge, Jamal Fogarty played in the centres and Josh Curran kicked a goal. At one point, Australia had three regular hookers on the field. Captain David Fifita, however, remained at left centre throughout and was described as devastating in the role.

PNG’s defensive difficulties were exposed repeatedly. The side missed 47 tackles, including 28 in the first half, while Australia’s players switched on and off and dropped the ball at times. Mam and Lachlan Galvin showed flashes of brilliance, while front-rower Tom Hazelton was among the best players on the field. Fifita’s performance in the centres also strengthened his case for higher honours ahead of this month’s Rugby League World Cup.

For PNG, Sylvester Namo, uncapped centre Stanford Talita and fullback Sanny Wabo were noted as dangerous at times. Earlier on Saturday, the Junior Kumuls recorded a historic 18-10 victory over the Australian Schoolboys. In the women’s game, Jada Taylor scored three tries, while Kasey Reh, Tahlia O’Brien, Taneka Todhunter and Tayla Preston impressed. PNG had 37 per cent possession but completed 85 per cent of sets and scored for the first time in three years.