Australia stun PNG in PMs XIII

Sunday, 13 October 2024, 5:45 pm

PNG PM's 13 players celebrating a try scored by skipper Judah Rimbu (Image: PNG Kumuls)

Papua New Guinea have succumbed to a 42-20 loss at the hands of Australian Prime Minister's 13 side in the final game of this afternoon's fixtures.

Despite scoring two tries for a 12-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes, Australia fought their way back in contest to clip a clinical victory.

PNG Prime Minister's XIII captain Judah Rimbu set the stage for the men's game with his trademark try, off the dummy half play, 5 minutes into the contest.

PNG produced two tries in 10 minutes when a set movement enabled centre Robert Mathias for a corner try.

Hunters' halfback Jamie Mavoko nailed the sideline conversion, giving PNG an optimistic 12-0 lead in front of 10,000 plus supporters.

PNG PM's 13 skipper Judah Rimbu with the first try of the match. (Video: PNG LNG Kumuls)

The Australians gained rhythm of their game when Jamal Forgety grabber kick ended up in the hands of second rower Beau Fermor for the first try.

Quick play the ball from by the visitors allowed Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart to produce an individual brilliance with a try of his own as Australia notched the bar high in first break of the four-quarter match.

Sea Eagles center Ruben Garrick failed to convert the goal as the Brad Fitler-coached side trailed by two points [10-12].

Fitlers men took the lead for the first time after 35 minutes through a four-pointer from Jacob Liddle, putting Australia ahead 16-12 at halftime.

The opponents had cruise control in opening minutes of second stanza with doubles to Canberra Raiders youngster Kaeo Weekes and a single to NRL top try scorer Alofiana Khan-Pereira.

Australia kept piling tries as fatigue crept in PNG defence with a hefty 36-12 lead at third quarter break.

Final 20 minutes of the game was physical and brutal in defense as both sides displayed masculinity.

The homeside got back into contest when a linebreak by Townsville Blackhawks winger Dudley Dotoi sent five-eight Finley Glare over for a try near the uprights.

Robert Mathias goes over for PNG PM's XIII second try (Video: PNG LNG Kumuls)

Australia returned the favor through Sam McIntyre to extend the lead by 26 points.

A consolation try to gun centre Alex Max saw PNG go down 20-42 to Australia on fulltime.