MEDIA RELEASE
16 August 2007
For immediate release
High Commissioner looks forward to rugby league match
Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, has welcomed confirmation that the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII team will play against the PNG national side next month.
The Australian and Papua New Guinea Rugby Leagues announced last week that the 2007 Prime Minister’s XIII match against the PNG Kumuls would take place on Sunday 23 September at Port Moresby’s Lloyd Robson Oval.
Mr Moraitis said: “I am looking forward to another exciting rugby league game between Australia and PNG.
“The match will also build on the strong friendship between Australia and PNG and help promote the fight against HIV/AIDS and violence against women.
“One of the things the players will be saying is that life, like sport, is about playing by the rules. Violence against women is against the rules and it is unacceptable.”
Former international and current Queensland coach Mal Meninga will coach the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII team for the third time. He also coached the squad during the previous matches in 2005 and 2006.
Sydney Roosters coach and former international Brad Fittler is set to join Meninga and the Prime Minister’s XIII coaching staff for a third consecutive year.
As in previous years, the Prime Minister’s XIII squad will work with the Australian Government during their visit to help promote the fight against HIV/AIDS and violence against women in PNG.
Both Meninga and Fittler remain vocal supporters of the Prime Minister’s XIII initiative, which began in 2005, and its role in raising awareness of the major health issues facing PNG.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454