By Richard Cowley, Date: 24/9/12
The PNG PM XIII’s put on a brave display of rugby league taking the Australian’s all the way in the annual PM XIII’s clash in Port Moresby yesterday.
With the scores locked at 18 all in the 79th minute a late try to Fijian Akuila Uate put the Australian’s in front to clinch the game 18 – 22. Scott Prince converted the try with Australia finishing up with a hard earned victory 18 – 24.
The PNG squad was dominated by players from the local competition. Coach Adrian Lam would have to be a favourite to take the Kumuls all they way to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. The decision on the coach for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign is still to be decided.
The game game itself was a feather in the cap of the PNG Bid team who have been crying out for an NRL team to play out of Port Moresby. If the PNG players where regularly exposed to the day to day grind of NRL Sunday’s game might have seen the Kumuls victorious.
The closest the Kumuls have come to victory over the Australian’s in the annual PM XIII’s clash was a 24 all draw back in 2007.
Previous Results
2011 Sep 25th Papua New Guinea PM XIII 22 – Australia PM XIII 36
2010 Sep 26th Papua New Guinea PM XIII 18 – Australian PM XIII 30
2009 Sep 27th Australian PM XIII 42 – Papua New Guinea PM XIII 18
2008 Sep 28th Australian PM XIII 54 – Papua New Guinea PM XIII 30
2007 Sep 23rd Australia PM XIII 24 – Papua New Guinea PM XIII 24
2006 Sep Australia PM XIII 28 – Papua New Guinea PM XIII 8
2003 Sep Australia PM XIII 32 – Papua New Guinea 0
