Trial matches

Twenty-four players’ were trialed out to get selected for the 15 spots to represent PNG in the upcoming Singapore Series and Pacific Games.

With an aim of making a successful tour in the forthcoming international meets, the PNG Pepes selectors; Pepes Head Coach, Annie Iamo, Assistance Coach, Helen Edwards and Julienne Leka-Maliaki are aiming to pick the best team.

The Tigers trailed 8-0 early as Roosters halfback Sam Walker caused havoc but coach Michael Maguire would have been pleased by his side's defensive resolve before they piled on two late tries to snatch victory.

Rival props James Tamou and Lindsay Collins were placed on report for dangerous contact and are in doubt for the opening round.

However, there were no major injury concerns in an entertaining yet low scoring match, in which Walker, Joey Manu and Victor Radley impressed for the Roosters, while Jackson Hastings made a strong debut for the Tigers.

The announcement, made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Suva on Friday morning, will see at least two NRL Telstra Premiership teams play an official trial fixture within the region in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Players and coaches will be in-country for a number of days prior to each of the fixtures to prepare and train, as well as participate in NRL and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) programs targeted towards promoting social inclusion, participation, equality and health and wellbeing.