Brad Fittler will take charge of the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII against their Papua New Guinea counterparts for the first time this weekend after replacing Mal Meninga in the coaching role.
The annual clash will see a host of fan favourites and up-and-coming prospects represent their nation in Port Moresby.
Damien Cook has been selected to captain the side, while the likes of Lachlan Galvin and Fletcher Sharpe will feature in the match after enjoying impressive starts to their NRL careers.
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Australia Prime Minister's XIII vs. PNG Prime Minister's XIII
Sunday, October 13 at Santos National Football Stadium (4.05pm AEDT)
Australia PM's XIII predicted team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Reuben Garrick
4. Beau Fermor
5. Xavier Savage
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Kobe Hetherington
9. Damien Cook
10. Sam McIntyre
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Tallis Duncan
14. Sean Russell
15. Fletcher Sharpe
16. Lachlan Galvin
17. Jacob Liddle
18. Ethan Bullemor
19. Tyran Wishart
Australia PM’s XIII team news:
Kaeo Weekes is set to get the nod at fullback after making the position his own at Canberra during the season. Support at the back is likely to come from breakout Newcastle rookie Fletcher Sharpe, who starred on the wing for the Knights.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira is set to feature in the PM’s clash for the second straight year with the NRL’s top try-scorer joined on the opposite flank by either Xavier Savage or Sean Russell.
Beau Fermor or Dylan Lucas appear destined for a start in the centres rather than in their regular backrow position with Reuben Garrick taking up the other vacant spot in the backline.
Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks are likely to be named the starting halves pairing, although Fittler may opt to shake things up and go with Lachlan Galvin starting at five-eighth.
Kobe Hetherington and Sam McIntyre could start up front together, with Alex Seyfarth and Ethan Bullemor providing an injection of energy off the bench.
Damien Cook will lead the side out at dummy-half and will be rotated with Jacob Liddle.
Hudson Young has been withdrawn from the side and called into the Kangaroos after Liam Martin was ruled out of the tournament.
Nat Butcher has been ruled out of the clash due to illness, so Tallis Duncan is likely to start at lock with Alex Seyfarth playing on an edge.
Tyran Wishart has replaced Young in the PM's squad and could be set for a stint at lock during the match.
