The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has today announced Australian Prime Minister's XIII (PM's XIII) men's and women's representative teams will play international fixtures against a Papua New Guinea Prime Minister's XIII on Sunday, October 13.
The fixtures will be held at Santos Stadium in the PNG capital Port Moresby, which will also host a 2024 Pacific Championships double-header on November 3.
The ARLC has also announced that 38-Test Kangaroos international Brad Fittler will be the Australian PM's XIII men's head coach, while Women's Indigenous All Stars coach Jess Skinner will be PM's XIII women's head coach.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys AM said the PM's XIII fixtures kick off a bumper schedule of international Rugby League following the completion of the NRL and NRLW seasons.
"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.
"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.
"It all starts with the Prime Minister's XIII matches and continues with the Pacific Championships played across four nations.
"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," said Mr V'landys.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said these matches would strengthen ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
"Sport brings us together, both on and off the field.
"Rugby league is effectively the national sport of Papua New Guinea.
"What better way to bring Australia and Papua New Guinea closer together than through rugby league."
