curtain raiser

PNG raced away to a 10-0 after only 15 minutes of play in the first half through a double from hooker Nathan Tente.

Behind on the scoreboard early in the game, NSW found their rhythm quickly and fought their way back.

The visitors found the try line 10 minutes out from half time when Jake Collins scored out on the wing.

A successful conversion further narrowed the score down to 10-6 going into the break.

Poor ball handling from PNG did no good for them as they gave away too much possession to NSW.

The PM’s XIII match between Australia and Papua New Guinea will be played this Saturday, September 24 at the National Football Stadium.

The two women’s teams are Paga Panthers and Royals who are SP POMRFL Women grand finalists.

POMRFL board chairman, Dr James Naipao said women’s participation in this annual event illustrates the promotion of gender equality in sports.

The PNG and New South Wales Under 16 teams will also challenge as curtain raiser.

Meantime, the Australia PM’s X111 team arrives this Thursday for the match.