The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) have revealed a Prime Minister’s XIII will take on their Papua New Guinean counterparts to kick-start the international calendar in October.
The Aussie men and women’s representative sides will travel to Port Moresby and be part of a double-header at Santos Stadium.
"We’ve been thrilled and captivated by some of the best football we’ve ever witnessed across the 2024 NRL and NRLW seasons and fortunately for all rugby league fans, the season doesn’t end with the grand final," ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said.
"Rugby league is king in PNG and the two Prime Minister’s XIII matches will grip the country. It will be a great occasion and an incredible experience for the players involved."
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When is the Australia Prime Minster’s XIII match in 2024?
The international fixture will take place on Sunday, October 13 at a yet to be determined time.
The matches will act as a precursor for the Pacific Championships, which will begin a week later when the Kangaroos take on Tonga.
"The international rugby league season kicks off on October 13 and all the stars fans have been cheering through the season from the NRL and NRLW clubs will be on display in their national colours," V’landys said.
"It all starts with the Prime Minister’s XIII matches and continues with the Pacific Championships played across four nations."
The fixture will be held in PNG for the second straight year after last season marked the first time since 2018 the game was held in Port Moresby.
Australia Prime Minister’s XIII team list
The Aussie sides have yet to be unveiled although Brad Fittler has been revealed as the new coach, taking over from Mal Meninga.
Meanwhile, Women’s Indigenous All Stars coach Jess Skinner will take over from Brad Donald.
"Sport brings us together, both on and off the field," Australian PM Anthony Albanese stated upon the announcement of the fixture.
"What better way to bring Australia and Papua New Guinea closer together than through rugby league."
Who was named in the Australian PM’s XIII last year?
Cameron Murray captained the side and was joined by South Sydney teammate Cody Walker in the squad.
Daly Cherry-Evans acted as vice-captain, while fellow veterans Jake Trbojevic, Ben Hunt and Cam McInnes joined him.
A mixture of youth and experience populated the backline with Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax accompanied by Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Tyrell Sloan.
North Queensland quartet Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Reece Robson and Murray Taulagi were also called up.
Meanwhile, NSW representatives Nicho Hynes and Hudson Young were joined by QLD reps Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, with the squad completed by Emre Guler and Michael Molo.
