PNG PMs XIII squad named

Port Moresby Vipers winger and Rookie of the Year Alice Alois in action during the recent Santos Cup finals in Port Moresby. (Image: Santos Cup)

The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s squad has been named ahead of the official kick-off at the Santos National Football Stadium next Saturday.

The 20-player squad brings together leading players from the recently concluded Santos Cup, along with PNG players currently based overseas.

The match will give established players and emerging talent the opportunity to test themselves against Australia.

Former Wallaroos XVs capped player Ivania Wong is set to wear the PNG colours for the first time after being named in the PM’s XIII Women’s squad.

The East New Britain-born player currently plays for the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby Women’s competition.

Other notable players include dual-code representatives and former PNG Palais 7s players Alice Alois and Cynthia Peters, who both featured in the recent Santos Cup.

ACT Brumbies winger Ivania Wong in action during the Super Rugby Women's comp early this year. (Image: ACT BRUMBIES)

Anika Butler and Gemma Schnaubelt are among the players based overseas.

The side will be coached by Cathy Neap, who brings extensive coaching experience after guiding the Central Dabaris to back-to-back Santos Cup premierships in 2025 and 2026.

Neap has coached the Dabaris since the Santos Cup was introduced in 2024 and will now take on the opportunity to lead the Prime Minister’s XIII Women against Australia.

Neap said the opportunity to represent PNG in front of a home crowd would be an important moment for the players and called on them to embrace the occasion and play for one another.

“I would like to congratulate every player selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s squad. Each of these players has worked hard to reach this level, and now they have a wonderful opportunity to represent Papua New Guinea in front of their home supporters.

“I want the girls to believe in themselves, play for one another and show the commitment and determination they have demonstrated throughout their careers.

“We are grateful to PNGRFL for giving us this opportunity and for continuing to invest in the growth of women’s rugby league in PNG,” she added.

The PNG PM’s XIII Women’s squad has been named. (Image: PNGRFL)

The PNG PM’s XIII Women will face Australia’s PM’s XIII Women, with kick-off scheduled for 12:15pm local time.

20-player squad:

Alice Alois [Port Moresby Vipers]
Anika Butler [Maitland Pickers]
Belinda Gwasamun [Mt Hagen Eagles]
Cynthia Peters [ENB Gurias]
Doreen William [Lae Tigers]
Gemma Schnaubelt [Western Clydesdales]
Gian Kaupa [Lae Tigers]
Jafinda Sap [Central Dabaris]
Ivania Wong [ACT Brumbies]
Jacinta Gerry [Mt Hagen Eagles]
Jenny David [Brisbane Tigers]
Josephine Howard [Central Dabaris]
Joyce Hobert [Port Moresby Vipers]
Lila Malabag [Port Moresby Vipers]
Mala Mark [Central Dabaris]
Ruth Gende [Port Moresby Vipers]
Sareka Mooka [Northern Pride]
Ua Ravu [South Sydney]
Sherinda Philip [Central Dabaris]
Mya Muller [Penrith Panthers]