PNG PM’s XIII mens captain Ila Alu says the team is ready to embrace the challenge of facing Australia in today’s PM’s XIII clash at 2:50pm at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Alu says preparations throughout the week have been positive, with the squad focused on building combinations after players arrived from different competitions and levels of rugby league.

He says playing alongside some of the country’s emerging talents has also been a valuable experience for the team.

“Preparation has been good. It’s a privilege to play with a few promising boys coming up from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. We get the opportunity to play with them tomorrow.” Alu said.

The Kumuls captain says much of the week has been spent developing combinations and understanding each player’s strengths.

He says communication in defence and set plays have been key areas of focus as the team prepares to contain an Australian side featuring several NRL players.

“We all come from different competitions and playing at different levels,” Alu said.

“It’s all about understanding each other’s game and what works for them and each individual’s strength.”

Alu says facing Australia provides valuable exposure for the players and an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best rugby league players in the game.

He is also encouraging the younger members of the squad to remain confident and play their natural game.

“Just let the boys be themselves,” he said.

“Everyone is unique in their own way and their performance has brought them all this far.”

Alu says his role as captain is to provide leadership while allowing his teammates the freedom to express themselves on the field.

The PNG PM’s XIII will now look to put their week of preparation into action when they take on Australia in front of a home crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium this afternoon.