The Australian Government-supported PNGRFL Academy has again demonstrated its impact on rugby league development in Papua New Guinea, with 26 Academy graduates featuring prominently in the 2026 Prime Minister's XIII fixtures in Port Moresby.

Academy players represented Papua New Guinea across the PMXIII women's matches as well as the Junior Orchids and Junior Kumuls, with several players delivering standout performances, showcasing the strength of the pathways program and the opportunities it is creating for young athletes to progress to the highest levels of the game.

One of the highlights of the day was the history-making win by the Junior Kumuls, who secured a famous victory over the Australian Schoolboys. It was a milestone result that showcased the exciting talent emerging from PNG, with nine PNGRFL Academy graduates helping the Junior Kumuls to a strong 18-10 win. The Junior Kumuls were led by PNGRFL Academy coach and mentor Joey Grima, while all three tries were scored by Academy graduates Jason Daniel (two) and Otto Thomas (one).

Despite a 32-0 defeat, the Junior Orchids played with heart, resilience, and tremendous potential against a quality Australian Schoolgirls opposition, providing plenty of optimism for the future of women's rugby league in PNG.

The Australian PMXIII Men’s and Women’s teams faced tough opposition from their PNG counterparts but ultimately won their games 60-10 and 66-6 in front of a large crowd at Santos National Football Stadium. Crowd favourite and Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam scored three tries for the Aussies, while PNG Hunters’ Sylvester Namo and NCDC POM Vipers rookie sensation Jeremiah Ben both scored tries for PNG. 

Acting Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Adrian Lochrin, said the strong representation of Academy graduates reflected the success of long-term investments in grassroots rugby league development.

"The PNG RFL Academy continues to open doors for talented young Papua New Guineans, providing pathways that help players realise their potential both on and off the field."

"Seeing so many Academy graduates represent Papua New Guinea at the Prime Minister's XIII fixtures highlights the strength of the program and the dedication of the players, coaches and communities who support them."

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the performances demonstrated the growing strength of Papua New Guinea’s rugby league pathways.

“The win by the Junior Kumuls today is a testament to the vision and hard work of all involved in the PNGRFL Academy. These young men and women have worked hard to earn their opportunities, and they showed us today that they belong on the international stage. With funding support from the Australian Government, the Academy symbolises the great partnership between PNG and Australia.”

“With more Academy graduates stepping into representative rugby league each year, the future of our game is incredibly exciting. As we look toward the PNG Chiefs in 2028, these players are proving that Papua New Guinea has the talent, passion and potential to compete with the very best.”