The ARL Prime Ministers XIII has today defeated the PNG Kumuls 30-18 holding off a late comeback by the locals which included a second half double to hard-running Kumuls backrower Nickson Kolo. <br><br> Thousands of local fans lined the road into Lloyd Robson Oval for the arrival of both teams before a ten thousand strong crowd saw the Kumuls welcome the Australians with some brutal defence early in the match. <br><br> However a piece of brilliance from Akuila Uate and some hard running from Cronulla Sharks front row partners Kade Snowden and Luke Douglas eventually gave the Prime Minister’s side the impetus to pull away early in the second half. <br><br> On Saturday, the Prime Minister’s XIII side joined the Kumuls to thank local volunteers who give up their time for the fight against the spread of HIV. <br><br> Tour captain, Corey Parker, said the Kumuls would be a tough proposition for Four Nations heavyweights Australia, New Zealand and England in the upcoming tournament. <br><br> “Their defence in the first half was outstanding, we really struggled to break them,” Parker said. <br><br> “Going by how well their young blokes did today and the fact they’ve got players to come back into the side, I think they will compete well in this year’s Four Nations.” <br><br> Amongst the most popular players with local fans was South Sydney back-rower, David Taylor. <br><br> Taylor sent the Port Moresby crowd into raptures when he broke the line and coolly set up Rabbitohs team mate Chris Sandow for a try in the 65th minute. <br><br> “The whole trip was an incredible experience,” Taylor said. “I can’t believe how fanatical all the people are about rugby league – It’s pretty moving actually. <br><br>“Getting out amongst the community and trying to educate the locals about HIV prevention and domestic violence was one of the more satisfying aspects of this trip. <br><br> “Hopefully we were able to make a difference.” <br><br> <b>Result: ARL Prime Ministers XIII 30 (Ben Smith, Akuila Uate, Chris Sandow, Willie Tonga, Kade Snowden, Luke Douglas tries; Corey Parker 2, James Maloney goals) def. PNG Kumuls 18 (Nickson Kolo 2, Glenn Nami tries; Ryan Tongia 3 goals).</b>
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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
