Papua New Guinea has announced a busy international rugby league calendar for 2018 as they look to build on their performances at last year's World Cups.
As well as next month's Pacific Test in Sydney, where the Kumuls men's side will take on the Fiji Bati, PNG will host the annual Prime Minister's 13 clash against Australia on October 6, which will have full test status for the first time.
The PNG Orchids women's team will face World Champions Australia in the curtain raiser, in a repeat of their historic clash at the National Football Stadium last year.
The PNG Orchids and Australian Jilaroos huddle after their test match in Port Moresby. Photo: Facebook/PNG Orchids
The Kumuls will then host two matches against the England Knights 'A' team, with the first match on October 27 in Lae and the second a week later in Port Moresby.
"This is important because I think when we see the history of the game it's been a long time since any rugby league playing nation has done a serious tour of our country," said PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau.
"And coach Michael (Marum) tells me that the last one was in 2001 when they played against the French Roosters...they played a game in Goroka and also in Port Moresby."
PNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum and PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
"We are grateful to the England Rugby League Board for this tour by the England A team to PNG and look forward to some quality games against the PNG Kumuls," said PNGRFL Chair Sandis Tsaka.
"Crowds will be in attendance at both venues to watch these two teams play knowing that they will have seen the future England side first hand."
PNG Kumuls head coach Michael Marum said the international programme presents a great opportunity for players and fans.
"The test match against the Kangaroos, (they're) going to be at full-strength and we hope to have our side a full strength side as well," he said.
"Also (for) the two international matches against England Knights. One being taken out to Lae - that's just going to be good for the fans around the country who don't live in Moresby so I'm sure everybody's looking forward to all those games.
"I think it will be really good for the players that they're working hard for something too at the end of the year."
PNG won all three pool matches in Port Moresby during last year's World Cup. Photo: NRL Photos
Michael Marum said he expects Australia to send their strongest team possible for the Prime Minister's 13 clash, which is being held a week after the NRL Grand Final.
Meanwhile a Confederate women's team will face the Australian Defence Force women on October 13 prior to the match between an Emerging Kumuls team and New South Wales Country.
