Prime Minister's XIII a success for Australian-PNG diplomacy, player development, human rights not just footy

The PM's XIII is an instrument of international diplomacy, player development and a human rights initiative. It also played a key role in Rugby League World Cup selection for both the Aussie and PNG sides. The Australian women's team won 64-6, the PNG Orchids 64 -6 and the Kumuls were taken down 64 –14 by the Australian men at Brisbane's Lang Park.

The Kumuls didn't field a single NRL player. They were pitted against 13 NRL players. The Rugby League World Cup kicks off in England on October 15. PNG won the Pacific Test against Fiji three months ago. The PM's XIII is about providing PNG in-country players with international game experience.

Prime Minister's XIII was a success. Wartovo Puara was picked as Captain. Nine of the squad pulled on a Kumuls jersey for the first time.  Tepend would have liked to run more players from PNG's national competition but there was an election back home.

The PNG Kumuls lost to Australia's PM's XIII last night. It's been four years since the PNG and Australia have met. The PNG team coach hopes the game will be played in PNG again. The NRL has unofficially said it will return to PNG in 2023. PNG's team coaches roll out social messages and education before the match.

PM's XIII is a celebration of Australia and Papua New Guinea's friendship and shared passion for rugby league. Rugby League and NRL players hold a very high status in PNG and have a lot of influence. In recent years, the PM's XV has focused on domestic violence.

Justin Olam was rested for the game. He was a surprise late addition to the Kumuls camp. Oam flew from Melbourne to be a part of the camp and helped the young players. The team holds a weekly devotion session.   The players consider Oram a hero. They consider him a team mate.

The PM's XIII has a bright and secure future. The friendship between Australia and PNG was on full display at the highest levels of power.