Hunters dominate PM’s XIII squad

PNG Hunters players have dominated the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII team for the upcoming clash against Australian PM’s XIII select side.

15 players from Paul Aiton’s group have earned a spot for representative duties after a vivid season in Hostplus Cup, where Hunters finished in preliminary finals.

Queensland Rugby League player of the year and dynamic hooker Judah Rimbu is amongst some of Hunters top performers that have been named by PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou to meet the Damien Cook-captained Australian side this Sunday at Santos National Football Stadium.

Exciting fullback Sanny Wabo along with rampaging centre Alex Max and skipper Ila Alu are other notable Hunters inclusion in PNG PM’s XIII squad with 2023 Hostplus Cup rookie of the year Morea Morea also making a return to representative stage for the October 13 fixture.

Hela Wigmen’s lanky forward Murray Conners is the sole player from Digicel ExxonMobil Cup included in Demetriou’s squad with the service of Castleford Tigers duo Liam Horne and Sylvester Namo from Super League.

Off contract St George-Illawarra Dragons forward Dan Russell will also feature for the PNG select side as he looks to revive his NRL career after he was released by the club early this year.

Demetriou was confident with the depth of the PNG squad as he prepares for his first task as head coach of the national team.

“It is not until you get the list of players available that you realise how strong the side can be, so I am looking forward to pulling that together,” Demetriou said.

“The big thing for me is putting in a program and a plan that is authentic and suits the way the Kumuls like to play and that for me as a coach is the most exciting challenge.”

The team will assemble in Port Moresby this week ahead of Sunday’s game.

PNG Prime Minister's XIII Men’s squad

Alex Max - SP PNG Hunters
Benji Kot- SP PNG Hunters
Brandon Nima - SP PNG Hunters
Dan Russell - St George Illawarra Dragons
Dudley Dotoi - Townsville Blackhawks
Elijah Roltinga - SP PNG Hunters
Finley Glare - SP PNG Hunters
Ila Alu - SP PNG Hunters
Jamie Mavoko -SP PNG Hunters
Jordan Pat - SP PNG Hunters
Josh Mire - SP PNG Hunters
Judah Rimbu - SP PNG Hunters
Khaiya Waiembi - Central Queensland Capras
Koso Bandi - SP PNG Hunters
Liam Horne - Castleford Tigers
Morea Morea - SP PNG Hunters
Murray Conners - Kroton Hela Wigmen
Robert Mathias - SP PNG Hunters
Sakias Komati - SP PNG Hunters
Sanny Wabo - SP PNG Hunters
Slyvester Namo - Castleford Tigers