Australia

Fiji scored two second-half tries as they rebounded from a nine-point halftime deficit to tighten their grip on second place in Group C, but their failure to collect a bonus point left Australia with a slight hope of avoiding a first ever group-stage exit.

“If I am being honest we were beaten to the punch in the first half. We knew it was going to be a battle. I am just thankful we have the result,” Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui said.

The PNG PM’s 13 side who got on the front foot early with a try through Nene MacDonald to lead 6-0 before the Aussies got into the rhythm.

PNG Kumuls, however, kept themselves in the grind contesting in every phase of attack and defense forcing the Australian Kangaroos to work overtime to defend the scoreboard after scoring back-to-back tries to take the lead 12-6.

Never before have the Wallabies been bundled out of the tournament in the pool stage, but their campaign in France is all but over after the defeat to the Welsh.

The two-time world champions have a slim hope of staying alive if other results go their way and bonus points come into play, but they can expect to be packing their bags after their final pool match against Portugal next week.

Leading by just six as the closing minutes approached, it was only a Tyrell Sloan try just before full-time that secured victory for the visitors, who made 17 errors across the match and struggled to shake off PNG as a result. 

Despite fielding only a handful of players with NRL experience – in comparison to Australia who had eight World Cup winners and 12 players who appeared at Origin level this year in their squad – PNG were right in the contest for the first hour and had Australia sweating before their late flurry of points. 

For the first time in the history of the Prime Minister’s XIII concept, there will be 12 teams participating in six matches over two days, Saturday and Sunday at the Santos National Football stadium.

Amidst all the hype and excitement in anticipation for this weekend’s PM’s 13 rugby league extravaganza, security in the nation’s capital has been stepped up to ensure the welfare and safety of both visiting teams and our national teams, match officials and city residents at large.

Rop was part of the 2016 PM’s 13 side that went down to Australia 58 nil.

Ironically, the biggest highlight of that match was Jnr Rop’s kamikaze-style hit on an Australian opponent that took the wind out of his sails for the remainder of the contest. It brought the whole stadium down.

Rop’s return to the Hunters this year has been impressive and consistent. Although it’s been a long 7 years since his memorable 2016 hit, Rop has lost nothing in terms of passion, energy and class to keep going in leading the young playing group this year.

The local Papua New Guinean community gathered to honour their homeland's rich history, culture and heritage.

People flocked to the park, eager to experience a slice of Papua New Guinea.

The atmosphere at Fogarty Park was a tantalizing aroma of traditional food like Pariwa, creamy coconut chicken, and various fish dishes.

Colourful and vibrant stalls showcased an array of meri blouses, bilums, and exquisite artwork.

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina gave a preview of what the official program would look like and the processes involved.

He said the Australian High Commission through ADF and NRL working committees of both PNG and Australia are taking care of proceedings before, during and after the event this weekend.

Hondina said the Kangaroos, Junior Kangaroos, Jillaroos and Junior Jillaroos will be arriving on an Australian Air Force plane this Thursday. A media conference follows with the captains of the two teams, at the Stanley hotel.

Not since 1954 has Fiji defeated Australia in a Test match and the result leaves the Wallabies with a 1-1 win-loss record in Pool C.

The Wallabies face what looms as a sudden-death clash against Wales in Lyon next Monday AEST as they look to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the quarterfinals.

It is only the fourth time the Wallabies have lost a World Cup pool match and they have never exited a tournament at the preliminary stage.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina said the PM’s XIII concept is aimed at using rugby league to drive social awareness messages.

“This year we will see the introduction of the Australian school boys and girls taking on our junior Kumuls and Orchids, thanks to the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the NRL,” stated Hondina.

Nine players from the Hunters have been named in the squad with sole player, Gary James from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition, selected from the Enga Mioks side.