PNG PM’s XIII coach Wellington Albert says the team’s local-based players have a unique opportunity to prove themselves when they face Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium today.

Albert, who has transitioned from playing to coaching, says taking charge of the PM’s XIII comes with significant responsibility, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

“This opportunity comes with a lot of expectations and a lot of responsibility,” Albert said.

The PM’s XIII squad features a number of players from the Digicel Cup and other domestic competitions, marking a shift from previous years when the team was largely made up of players based overseas.

Albert says the country’s domestic competition forms the foundation of Papua New Guinea rugby league and deserves opportunities at the highest level.

“Our foundation of this country is the Digicel Cup and our local competition,” he said.

“We’ve overlooked our Digicel Cup the last couple of years, but now it’s good to see the PNG side giving back to our local Digicel Cup boys.”

The coach says today’s match will provide the local players with valuable exposure against Australian players they normally watch on television.

He hopes they can use the experience to test themselves and showcase the quality of Papua New Guinea’s domestic competition.

“They look up to those NRL players, and it’s their opportunity to show what our local domestic competition is and to test themselves,” Albert said.

Despite the experience in the Australian side, Albert has urged his players not to be intimidated by their opponents.

His message to the squad has been simple — play the way they normally do and trust the talent and ability that earned them selection.

“They are here for a reason. They are here to win,” Albert said.

“Just play like you normally play in your local competition and display whatever talent and ability brought you to this level.”

Albert says building team cohesion was also a major focus during the week, with the coaching staff working to bring players from different competitions together.

As they prepare for the Australian challenge, the coach says limiting errors, completing sets, kicking into the corners and defending well will be crucial.

“If we keep ourselves to less errors and complete our sets, then we should be good,” he said.

While PNG selectors will be watching the match, Albert says the players have been encouraged to focus on the game rather than putting pressure on themselves to impress for future representative opportunities.

The PM’s XIII will face Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium today.