Australia's Jillaroos hopefuls impress in PNG

Jada Taylor.

Papua New Guinea completed 85 per cent of its sets but had only 37 per cent possession in Saturday's Prime Minister's XIII match.

Australia won 66-6 at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, scoring 12 tries to one for the largest margin in the fixture's history.

PNG's Josephine Howard scored the hosts' first points in three years, briefly levelling the match after Jada Taylor opened the scoring for Australia.

Taylor finished with three tries, as did hooker Taneka Todhunter, who scored twice before halftime and completed her hat-trick after the break.

Andie Robinson, Tayla Preston, Jasmin Morrissey, Tahlia O'Brien, Kasey Reh and Rory Owen also scored for Australia.

The match offered an audition for coach Jess Skinner ahead of this month's 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Taylor, Reh, O'Brien and Todhunter among those who impressed.

Taylor, a club fullback, showed her versatility on the wing. Australia's performance reflected the rising standard of its players, alongside improvements among PNG's second-tier squad and in the Santos Cup, the country's national women's competition.

PNG coach Craig Sandercock had the chance to assess the next generation, though his side was outclassed and tired late in both halves.

Jecinta Garry and Mala Mark had promising moments, while Howard was busy. PNG defended with effort despite limited possession.

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