LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL young guns put on a show in the annual clash against PNG, with the Aussies running riot and proving too strong for their opponents.
The PM's XIII match saw the Australian team, filled with talented young NRL stars, come out on top with a convincing 42-20 victory in Port Moresby.
The Papua New Guinea team, fueled by a passionate and vocal crowd, got off to a flying start and took an early 12-0 lead, putting pressure on Brad Fittler's squad.
However, the green and gold slowly but surely found their rhythm and managed to turn the tide with three crucial tries before halftime, ending the first half with a 16-12 lead.
While local fans may have left the stadium disappointed with the loss, they can take solace in the fact that PNG's aspirations for an NRL team received a boost from this gutsy performance.
The potential for a PNG team to enter the NRL is promising, as there is no shortage of talent in the region.
With Perth's NRL bid facing uncertainty, PNG's eagerness to join the league couldn't be more evident.
If and when a PNG team is given the green light to join the competition, they are sure to bring a competitive edge with their pool of home-grown talent.