rugby league

Broncos v Warriors: Arthars over Oates; SJ heads up unchanged side

Every fan but a Knights supporter were screaming 'Up the Wahs' last week as Shaun Johnson's impressive return from a calf injury stole the show as he led the Warriors to their first preliminary final since 2011. 

The Broncos had their feet up and watched on as their next opponents put the Knights to the sword from the opening minutes right until the end in an early warning to Kevin Walters' side that home ground advantage will mean little on Saturday. 

Murray to lead Australia

The main drawcard will be preceded by the PNGDF and ADF Women’s match at 12 noon before the PNG PM’s 13 Women vs the Australian Women at 2pm.

Whilst all the spotlight has been on the Australian teams since yesterday’s arrival, their PNG counterparts have been hard at training behind the scenes since they assembled in Port Moresby last weekend. 

TEAMS READY TO EMBRACE OCCASION

The rousing welcome reception that was accorded to the Australian teams upon their arrival yesterday was a real testament to the power of rugby league as a unifying sport bringing the two countries together for the first again in 5 years.

After the arrival of the Australian teams in Port Moresby yesterday, a combined media conference was held at the Stanly Hotel for all the captains and coaches.

League fans urged to behave

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.

Whirlwind season for Morea

Only days after his selection to the national team, Morea could not believe he’s been named Hostplus Cup Rookie of the Year, capping off what’s been a whirlwind season for the young Papa Village sensation. Morea commented spending the preseason with NRL Dolphins was a highlight in itself that has added value to his development.

Junior Rop Recalled

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.

Olam Eager to Return Home to PNG Before NRL Finals Reprieve

Key points:

  • Justin Olam was dropped from the Storm in round 21 after they lost to Newcastle
  • The centre says he was looking forward to heading home to PNG thinking his season was done
  • Melbourne brought him back for the semi-final against the Roosters, which they won 18-13

The Papua New Guinea star struggled to find his explosive best this year after a series of injury setbacks curtailed his pre-season.

Olam's axing after the Storm's round 21 defeat to Newcastle seemed to spell the end for him in first grade 2023.

PMs XIII matches loom closer

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.

Party like it's 2011: Warriors down Knights to reach prelim final

After finishing last season in 15th place the Warriors have produced a remarkable turnaround in 2023 and are now just 80 minutes away from a first grand final appearance since 2011.

A mistake by Knights winger Greg Marzhew in the opening set of the game opened the door for Shaun Johnson to lay on a try for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who left Bradman Best in his wake to make it 4-0.

Melbourne march on after last gasp win over Roosters

The Roosters led 13-12 with less than two minutes to play but the Storm stole the final moments when a Cameron Munster crossfield kick ended in the hands of a leaping Warbrick, bringing 19,000 fans to their feet in Melbourne.

The victory booked the Storm a spot in their eighth preliminary final in the past nine seasons, setting up a 2020 grand final rematch against reigning premiers Panthers at Accor Stadium.