PNG RFL academy players shine at PMs XIII

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 scoring two and Otto Thomas scoring 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.