Why isn’t the Prime Minister’s XIII ever broadcast in Australia? While I’ve only seen highlights, it seems unmatched for spectacle.
On the one hand, it offers up a who’s who of players who are more than capable of playing finals footy but haven’t made it to the knockout rounds.
In doing so, it often offers a great showcase for players who happen to be better than where their teams are at. There’s something cathartic about that.
At the same time, it often forms part of the selection process for other representative clashes. This year Mal Meninga has made it clear that the XIII was an audition for Four Nations.
But the Prime Minister’s XIII is also, by all accounts, an incredible spectacle on its own terms. In large part, that comes down to the intense rugby league culture in Papua New Guinea.
More than nearly any other nation, Papua New Guinea treats rugby league as its most prized sporting export.
While the Kumuls may not stand much of a chance of beating the Australian XIII at this stage, that’s not really the point. Instead, this is a celebration of rugby league fandom at its most enthusiastic and eccentric.
Watching other fans is part of the pleasure of being at a match, just as listening to banter is one of the best bits of the live sporting experience.
In Australia, it’s easy to underestimate the intense fandom that figures like Greg Inglis and Semi Radradra generate in Papua New Guinea. In an interview with the Telegraph, Mark Mom suggested that requests for GI to perform his trademark Goanna move were even greater than requests for tickets to the game.
Given the thousands of fans who lined up at Port Moresby airport to greet Inglis and the team, that’s not hard to believe.
In Australia, rugby league is often seen as a lesser or more lowbrow sport alongside union and AFL. There’s something amazing, then, about seeing the sheer celebrity and love these players achieve overseas.
That kind of fandom also produces a different kind of performance from the players.
It wasn’t merely a less talented Papua New Guinea side that allowed Inglis, Radradra and Blake Ferguson to score two tries apiece, or for Mitchell Moses to bring home three straight conversions in the first half.
That level of achievement and consistency comes from playing to a crowd that loves the game enough to barrack for both sides at once.
I can only imagine the level of energy and intensity when Inglis scored 30 seconds out from halftime with a backflip into the right corner and then performed his trademark move to the rapturous crowd.
Inglis, in particular, thrives in these kinds of representative matches and his presence in Papua New Guinea this year sounds as if it was up there with some of his best Origin performances.
Of course, lots of this stuff is available on YouTube in highlight reels, but there’s still less than you might think. In any case, it’s just not the same when divorced from the texture of the game as a whole.
As finals football becomes more intense, focused and methodical, there’s something cathartic about the carnival spirit of the Prime Minister’s XIII. For those of us who don’t have players in the finals, it’s a reminder of the resilience and talent they can show in the following year.
At the same time, it works well as a summary of the year in the lead up to the finals.
As a Tigers fan, it’s also great to see players like Moses getting a representative shot. It’s also great to see players like James Tedesco rack up his representative efforts with displays like the cut-out pass that set up Ferguson’s first try.
All in all, it’s just the right kind of spectacle to usher in the last few games of finals football as well as a brilliant advertisement for rugby league in Papua New Guinea – so why not broadcast it in the future?
Mikail-Eagle
Guest
I was there too Matt. The atmosphere was just too good. Loved every tackle, every hit, and every try.
Matt
Guest
I am an Australian expat living here in PNG, I went to the game and it was a fantastic spectacle. Despite the score line blowing out PNG always play well and turn up to the game. The fans are something else up here, the Hunters matches are great fun to attend for not only the great football, but the local crowd and atmosphere is just brilliant. As you mention in your article, the local fans support both teams and there was no shortage of huge cheers for every highlight of the match... especially when the goanna came out. I did not even know it was not televised in Australia, what a shame indeed. Rugby League fans really need to come up here and experience a Kumuls or Hunters game at the new National Football Stadium, especially when it is packed with 15,000 very pumped fans. It got a bit messy at the end of the game when fans rushed the field to try and meet the players and maybe score a jersey, or boot and police stepped in. But what an evening, just a shame the season is over!
BigAl
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBcRHCDWKtU Not sure at what stage of the game this video was made, but seeing this, Ch9 would have reason to be nervous about exposing their crew and equipment to this.
Emric
Guest
Because Semi played in it and it would be a bad look
Fiddlesticks
Guest
Perhaps a position on the ARL board awaits you ? It's up to channel 9 to cover it
bozo
Guest
PNG is the future of league and everyone would like to see how they are developing. The game should have been televised live
Scott Pryde
Expert
Right - I wasn't aware of that. Absolutely. At worst a live stream option.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I understand that a PNG network broadcasted it... I mean sure itvwont be great but it wpud better than nothing and a good starting point...
woodart
Guest
this is why league will never be a big sport internationally. the arl and english league are too inward looking.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Agree 100% that it should be televised - great for international exposure and getting the passion of the PNG team beamed into Australia - the problem is security of the employees and broadcasters. It's just not going to happen with PNG in it's current state. Too much risk to send a TV crew and commentators up there, no matter how passionate they are. A TV network isn't going to take the kind of chance that they will have injury to crew or loss of equipment thanks to theft.
E-Meter
Guest
I went looking for it. It wasn't on live stream.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Nice post Slickeel. What's the best way of trying to organise a World Cup experience. Doesn't sound like rounding up a few mates and simply heading to the ground is that simple for Aussie tourists.
Slickeel
Roar Rookie
Having lived in PNG it is a beautiful country and the locals are so passionate about rugby league. It is their national sport. I too cant understand why this game isn't televised or promoted the way it should be. Our players are so respected and revered over there. We had the privilage of Mal Meninga visit my workplace un announced. The look on the guys faces said it all. It was like god decended from heaven. I dont understand why the NRL dont take advantage of the free kick PNG citizens give RL. The atmosphere at any football game is electric. Seeing the pictures of the recent tour was amazing.They are so passionate about RL. Hundreds of nationals can be seen crowding televisions every time a game is played. With PNG hosting 3 matches at next years world cup will be amazing. I urge everyone to experience RL in this country during the world cup. It will be amazing. It will be safe. While you are there explore the country. It truly is the land of the unexpected. The people are amazing. I will be planning a trip to PNG for sure. I also look forward to having a pacific islands team based in the NRL within 10 years. Bring it on.
Don
Roar Rookie
It's up to the NRL to sell it to someone who wants to buy it. Digicel broadcast it live up there. The match was played at a good time for Aus broadcast @ 4.30pm. Personally, I think this is probably the one match annually that the NRL should pass some cash over to a broadcaster to play rather than expect them to buy it. Call it a contribution to growing the International game's exposure. Also, not sure if it was streamed but definitely should have been live via NRL through Telstra.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Perhaps the issue is guaranteeing employee safety. I'm keen to get up there for a World Cup match next year. I've called several of the major league travel groups only to be laughed at - why do you want to go there, it's just not safe enough to take tour groups. A real shame given outsiders can't experience PNG's unique atmosphere. I know a writer who accompanied the Prime Ministers XIII a few years ago and even he said it was dangerous despite the beefed up security supporting the team.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
They should televise for sure. Just dont expect a prime time TV slot nor expect it to be on the main channel.
nerval
Guest
Here are some of the scenes that greeted the Australians upon arrival at the airport. Such unbridled passion is rare and thrilling. The AFL would love this kind of reaction from PNG and would be broadcasting these pictures far and wide. The ARL can't even be bothered to ensure that it's televised. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg1Gmn2_IkY