Could one player's performance truly define a day of rugby league? In Port Moresby, Trai Fuller answered with a resounding yes, scoring an incredible four tries as Australia dominated PNG! But the day wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was a showcase of Australian teamwork and PNG's unwavering spirit. Let's dive into the highlights of this memorable day, where passion met performance on the field.
NRL.com provided live coverage of all the action from Port Moresby. Here's a recap of the key moments:
PNG v Australia PM’s XIII Men
The Australian PM's XIII emerged victorious with a final score of 28-10. Trai Fuller stole the show with his four tries and 125 running meters. The Rabbitohs duo, Tallis Duncan and Keaon Koloamatangi, proved to be a formidable force, racking up a combined 23 runs and 234 meters. They really showed the PNG side how the game should be played, and they never relented on the pressure they applied.
Key Highlights:
- Mac Attack: Nene Macdonald was a standout performer for PNG, covering 127 run meters, breaking tackles, and almost pulling off a spectacular 40-20 kick. With a wealth of NRL experience (98 games!), Macdonald was a consistent threat for the PNG team. He really put his heart and soul into the game, but it was never quite enough to get them over the line.
- Error Costs PNG: Kyle Flanagan's late error in the 78th minute gave PNG a chance to score, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure in crucial moments.
- Home Crowd Roars: In the 75th minute, Epel Kapinias brought the PNG crowd to their feet, scoring a try under the posts after a clever dummy-half play by Judah Rimbu. Morea Morea added the conversion, bringing the score to 28-10. It was a moment of pure joy for the home fans, a reward for their unwavering support.
- Fuller's Fourth: In the 70th minute Trai Fuller scored his fourth try after a Bradman Best flick pass bounced off Fuller's knee and into the in-goal area. Mitch Moses failed to convert, however.
- Captain's Challenge Success: Australia successfully challenged a knock-on call against Trai Fuller in the 63rd minute, demonstrating the strategic use of this new rule. However, the opportunity was wasted when Bradman Best passed the ball on to Fletcher Hunt, who couldn't maintain control.
- Wishart Scores: In the 60th minute, Mitch Moses broke through the defense on the halfway mark, ran 30 meters, and passed inside to Tyran Wishart for a try. Moses missed the conversion, resulting in a score of Australia 24-4.
- Best on Ground: In the 58th minute, Jayden Campbell's grubber kick found Bradman Best, who grounded the ball for Australia's fifth try. Campbell missed the kick from wide out, so the score remained at Australia 20-4.
- PNG Get Another Set: In the 55th minute, Jack Williams' late hit on Jack de Belin gave PNG another set in good field position.
- Moses Mistake: In the 42nd minute, Mitch Moses fired a poor pass to Tallis Duncan, who spilled it.
- Early Error: Nixon Putt made an early error in the 41st minute, which was not the start the home side were after.
- Fuller's Brilliance: Fuller also had four line breaks and six tackle breaks, which was thanks in part to the work of Jye Gray. The dynamic Rabbitoh had two try assists and two line break assists while also running for 60 metres.
- Dotoi Denied: Dudley Dotoi had a chance on the left edge in the 38th minute, but Australia muscled up and bundled him into touch.
- Duncan Penalised: Tallis Duncan was penalised for a flop in the 36th minute and PNG marched up field in search of a second try.
- Fuller Hat-Trick: In the 29th minute, Jye Gray and Trai Fuller combined again and the Dolphins flyer had a hat-trick. Jayden Campbell missed again. Australia 16-4.
- Duncan Denied: In the 26th minute, Tallis Duncan chased a grubber and tried to get it down inches inside the dead ball line but it was sent up as a 'no try' and the bunker agreed.
- Fuller Try: In the 23rd minute, Tallis Duncan offloaded for Trai Fuller to head towards the left corner and he got the ball down despite the best efforts of Robert Mathias to deny him. Jayden Campbell pulled the conversion to the left. Australia 12-4.
- Duncan Try: In the 20th minute, Keaon Koloamatangi and Jack Williams handled before Tallis Duncan sliced between two defenders to post Australia's second try. Kyle Flanagan missed the conversion. Australia 8-4.
- Dotoi Try: Finley Gare came up with a pearler of a pass to put Dudley Dotoi over in the corner. The 'harbour bridge' pass travelled 20 metres and landed right on the chest of Dotoi. 4-4.
- Fuller First Try: Trai Fuller grabbed the first try of the day courtesy of Jye Gray who delivered the final pass on the left edge. Jayden Campbell failed to convert. Australia 4-0.
- Horsburgh Injured: Australia prop Corey Horsburgh left the field with a collarbone injury in the 6th minute. He was replaced by Jack Williams.
Late Mail: Gairo Voro replaced Kyle Laybutt at halfback for PNG. No changes for the Australian PM's XIII.
PNG v Australia PM’s XIII Women
The Australian PM's XIII Women mirrored the men's success, securing a dominant 50-0 victory, matching last year's scoreline. Phoenix-Raine Hippi and Caitlin Turnbull were the stars of the show, each scoring a hat-trick. Hippi showcased her speed and power with 155 run meters, four line breaks, and six tackle breaks, while Turnbull added three tackle breaks and three line breaks to her try tally. Australia was just too dominant for the PNG side, who will want to learn from this experience and come back stronger next time.
Key Highlights:
- Elsie's Endevours: Veteran prop Elsie Albert delivered a powerful performance for PNG, making 11 runs for 128 meters and breaking four tackles. At 29, Albert continues to be a role model for the next generation of PNG talent, consistently delivering big minutes in the middle.
- Robinson Scores: Andie Robinson extended Australia's lead in the 70th minute with a 30-meter try, demonstrating her speed and footwork. Georgia Hannaway's conversion attempt was unsuccessful, keeping the score at 50-0.
- Hippi Hat-Trick: Phoenix-Raine Hippi completed her hat-trick in the 66th minute, thanks to a line break and perfectly timed pass from Abbi Church. Georgia Hannaway added the conversion, increasing Australia's lead to 46-0.
- Captain's Challenge Success: Australia successfully challenged a knock-on call in the 60th minute, regaining possession after the bunker review found a touch by Essay Banu.
- Church Scores: Phoenix-Raine Hippi continued her outstanding performance in the 59th minute, slicing through the defense and passing inside for Abbi Church to score, making it 40-0.
- Turnbull Hat-Trick: Caitlin Turnbull secured her hat-trick in the 48th minute, using a clever move to beat Naomi Kelly and score in the corner. Australia 36-0.
- Dodd's Dummy: Quincy Dodd scored an easy try from dummy half in the 43rd minute, faking to the left and slicing through the defense to score under the posts. Kirra Dibb converted, bringing the score to 32-0.
- Turnbull Scores Again: Caitlin Turnbull grabbed her second try in the 37th minute after PNG failed to catch the kick-off. Kirra Dibb added the extras, increasing Australia's lead to 26-0.
- Weale Surges: Makenzie Weale surged for the line in the 31st minute, carrying momentum to score despite Gloria Kaupa's efforts. Kirra Dibb converted, making it 20-0.
- Turnbull's Slick Footwork: Caitlin Turnbull showcased her footwork in the 26th minute, scoring from a set scrum 10 meters out. Georgia Hannaway took over kicking duties and successfully converted, bringing the score to 14-0.
- Hippi's Second: Phoenix-Raine Hippi scored her second try in the 12th minute, stretching out to ground the ball despite Fleur Ginn's cover defense. Kirra Dibb missed the conversion, keeping the score at 8-0.
- Hippi Opens the Scoring: Phoenix-Raine Hippi opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a cut-out pass from Kasey Reh and some fancy footwork. Kirra Dibb missed the conversion, resulting in a 4-0 lead.
- Holyman Injured: Australia prop Sophie Holyman hobbled off early with a leg injury in the 3rd minute and was replaced by Makenzie Weale.
- Early Defence: Great ball movement by the home side down the right in the 2nd minute almost resulted in a try, but Abbi Church made a try-saving tackle on Relna Wuruki-Hosea.
Late Mail: Marie Biyama started at centre for PNG. Emmogen Taumafai started at prop and Leila Kerowa started in the back row. No late changes for Australia.
Junior Kumuls v Australian Schoolboys
The Australian Schoolboys narrowly escaped with a 22-14 victory over the Junior Kumuls in a tense and thrilling match. Trailing 10-4 at half-time, the Australians mounted a comeback with two quick tries after the break and managed to hold on despite a late surge from the hosts. Hayden Watson's try in the final play sealed the win for the Australian Schoolboys. The Junior Kumuls were unlucky, but they gave it their all and tested the Australian side to the limit.
Key Highlights:
- Watt's Second: Manase Watt scored his second try in the 57th minute, capitalizing on an Australian error off the kick-off to set up a grandstand finish. The Junior Kumuls trailed 18-14.
- Jennings Solo Effort: Dayne Jennings scored an outstanding solo try in the 53rd minute, slicing through the defense and fending off the fullback to extend Australia's lead to 18-10.
- Defensive Stand: The Australian Schoolboys produced a superb defensive play in the 49th minute, forcing Hercules Kondo to spill the ball on the line. They were unable to hold on however, after knocking the ball on a couple of plays later.
- Timoteo Takes the Lead: Xzavier Timoteo scored a powerful try in the 43rd minute, carrying multiple defenders over the line to give the Australian Schoolboys the lead at 14-10.
- Verhoeven Scores: Antonio Verhoeven scored in the corner in the 34th minute, instantly responding to the Junior Kumuls' tries and pulling Australia within two points at 10-8.
- Watt Scores: Manase Watt scored in the corner in the 26th minute, extending the Junior Kumuls' lead to 10-4.
- Birve Breaks Through: Ellyjah Birve scored the Junior Kumuls' first try in the 24th minute, breaking through the defense after sustained pressure. Junior Kumuls 6 - Australian Schoolboys 4.
- Smith's Early Try: Darcy Smith scored the first try of the match in the 3rd minute, stepping off his left foot to break through the defense. Junior Kumuls 0 - Australian Schoolboys 4.
Late Mail: Christopher Petrus started in the back row for the Australian Schoolboys, replacing Phoenix Godinet.
Junior Orchids v Australian Schoolgirls
The Australian Schoolgirls secured a hard-fought 20-12 victory over the Junior Orchids in a high-quality and thrilling contest. Both teams showcased impressive attacking play and superb defense in hot conditions. The Junior Orchids mounted a strong comeback attempt in the second half, but the Australian Schoolgirls' defense proved too strong, repelling multiple waves of attack to secure the win. The Orchids almost pulled off the impossible, but the Australian side showed their class in the end to take the victory.
Key Highlights:
- Muller Scores Late: Mya Muller crashed over from short range in the 59th minute, giving the Junior Orchids a late try and bringing the score to 20-12.
- Misa's Solo Try: Mamele Misa produced a barnstorming carry to step through the defensive line and score next to the posts in the 55th minute, extending Australia's lead to 20-6.
- Fletcher Extends Lead: Logan Fletcher scored a try in the corner in the 45th minute, running onto a superb bomb from Torah Luadaka to increase Australia's lead to 16-6.
- Mili Scores: Janique Mili capitalized on a quick play the ball to dart from dummy half and score under the posts in the 37th minute, bringing the Junior Orchids within six points at 12-6.
- Graham Scores: Diamond Graham darted from dummy half, throwing a dummy and stepping through the defense to score in the 13th minute, putting Australia up 12-0.
- Leatupue Opens the Scoring: Anastasia Leatupue crashed over to open the scoring in the 3rd minute, giving the Australian Schoolgirls an early lead at 6-0.
Late Mail: Stevie Botham came into the side on the wing for the Australian Schoolgirls, replacing Shar-lene Nati. The team featured two players from Marsden State High School: Deleni Paitai and Evelyn Roberts. Mia Vaotu'ua represented Central Coast Sports College.
The day in Port Moresby was a fantastic celebration of rugby league, showcasing talent, teamwork, and the unwavering passion of both Australian and PNG players. But here's where it gets controversial... Did the dominance of the Australian teams overshadow the potential for growth and development within PNG rugby league? Or was this a valuable learning experience for the PNG teams, providing them with a benchmark to strive for in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
