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Former Blues boss unveiled as PM’s XIII coach as PNG clashes revealed

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  • September 19, 2024
Former Blues boss unveiled as PM’s XIII coach as PNG clashes revealed

The ARLC has announced Australian Prime Minister’s XIII men’s and women’s team will take on Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII on Sunday, October 13.

Santos Stadium in Port Moresby will play host to the pair of games, with former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler being named head coach of the men’s team.

Meanwhile, Women’s Indigenous All Stars coach Jess Skinner will be PM’s XIII women’s head coach.

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Santos Stadium will also host a Pacific Championships double header on November 1, and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys was excited for the return of international football.

“We’ve been thrilled and captivated by some of the best football we’ve ever witnessed across the 2024 NRL and NRLW seasons and fortunately for all rugby league fans, the season doesn’t end with the Grand Final,” he said in a statement.

“The international rugby league season kicks off on October 13 and all the stars fans have been cheering through the season from the NRL and NRLW clubs will be on display in their national colours.

“It all starts with the Prime Minister’s XIII matches and continues with the Pacific Championships played across four nations.

“Rugby League is king in PNG and the two Prime Minister’s XIII matches will grip the country. It will be a great occasion and an incredible experience for the players involved.”

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The news comes amid a reported in-principle agreement being brokered between the ARLC and the federal government for Papua New Guinea to become the NRL’s 19th franchise.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly backing a 10-year, $600 million funding plan to bring PNG into the first grade competition.

They are set to begin life as an NRL franchise in 2028, following the Western Bears’ introduction only 12 months earlier as the 18th franchise.

The Pacific NRL side will reportedly be announced after the grand final, with a celebration to take place during Australian PM’s XIII clash with PNG in Port Moresby.

Speaking after the announcement of the PM’s XII, Albanese said: “Sport brings us together, both on and off the field. Rugby league is effectively the national sport of Papua New Guinea.

“What better way to bring Australia and Papua New Guinea closer together than through rugby league.”

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